St. Louis can quickly go from crisp fall weather to a hard freeze. That means the pipes in your garage, crawl space, exterior walls, and other cold spots can freeze before the rest of the house feels that cold. Our team at Performance Plumbing helps homeowners get ahead of potential freeze problems before the temperatures drop. Making a few practical checks now can lower the risk of a burst pipe and the water damage that can follow. Here’s how to get started.
Protect Outdoor Faucets and Hose Connections Before Freezing Weather
Disconnect your garden hoses and make sure they’re thoroughly drained before storing them for the season. Leaving a hose attached can trap water inside your faucet and the connected pipe, increasing the chance of freezing. If your outdoor faucet has an interior shutoff valve, close it and drain the remaining water from the line.
Insulate Pipes in Unheated Areas of Your Home
The pipes in your basement, crawl spaces, garage, utility rooms, and along your exterior walls are all more vulnerable because they receive less heat from the home. Adding pipe insulation where plumbing is exposed and paying close attention to sections near foundation vents, garage walls, or other cold spots can help prevent freezes.
Find Your Main Water Shutoff Before You Need It
Make sure you know exactly where your main water shutoff is and that it’s accessible and fully operational. If a frozen pipe splits, shutting off the water quickly can limit how much water enters the house once your pipe thaws. Label the valve so other family members can find it and don’t wait for an emergency to realize no one can access it because it’s buried behind storage.
Keep Vulnerable Plumbing Warm During a Cold Snap
Opening cabinet doors under the sinks when the temperatures plummet can help prevent frozen pipes during a cold snap. Keep the thermostat at a steady temperature overnight instead of allowing the house to get unusually cold. Let a small trickle of water run during extreme cold. The right approach depends on where the pipe is located, so pipes that freeze repeatedly should be inspected rather than managed every winter.
Watch for Early Signs of a Frozen Pipe
It’s not always obvious when you have a frozen pipe that might burst. Here are some signs to be aware of:
- Little or no water from a faucet
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- Frost on an exposed pipe
- Unusual bulging or cracking
- Water stains or damp areas after temperatures rise
Never use an open flame to try and thaw out a frozen pipe. If you can’t safely locate or warm the frozen section, shut off the water and call our licensed plumbers right away.
Schedule Frozen Pipe Prevention Service in St. Louis
If your pipes are in a crawl space, garage, exterior wall, or another area that freezes easily, address the weak spot before the first hard freeze. Our team at Performance Plumbing can inspect vulnerable plumbing, identify problem areas, and recommend practical ways to reduce your risk of frozen and burst pipes.
Contact Performance Plumbing today to schedule plumbing service in St. Louis, MO, before freezing temperatures arrive.