CHICAGO — Frozen and burst pipes are among the most common and costly winter water damage events, generating billions of dollars in insurance claims each year and causing significant disruption to homeowners and businesses. Here is a comprehensive guide to protecting your home's plumbing system during extreme cold weather.
Pipes are most vulnerable to freezing when they are located in unheated spaces — including exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, and garages — or when the heating system fails during a cold snap. The American Red Cross recommends keeping the thermostat set to at least 55°F in all areas of the home, even when away, to prevent pipe freezing.
Insulating exposed pipes in unheated spaces is one of the most effective preventive measures. Pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install, and can significantly reduce the risk of freezing in pipes that are not directly heated. Heat tape — electrical heating cable wrapped around pipes — is appropriate for pipes in extremely cold locations.
When temperatures are expected to drop below 20°F, the American Red Cross recommends allowing a trickle of water to run from faucets served by exposed pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze than standing water, and the slight cost of the water is far less than the cost of repairing a burst pipe.
For vacation homes and properties that will be unoccupied during cold weather, the safest approach is to shut off the water supply and drain all pipes. A plumber can drain the system completely, including the water heater, and add antifreeze to traps and fixtures to prevent any residual water from freezing.
