Burst pipes are one of the most common plumbing emergencies during winter. When temperatures drop, water inside pipes can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst. This leads to serious water damage and expensive repairs.
Follow these 7 simple steps to prevent burst pipes in winter and protect your home from cold-weather plumbing problems.
Pipes located in unheated areas like garages, ceilings, or outside walls are more likely to freeze. Use:
Foam pipe insulation
Thermal tape
Old towels or blankets
Insulating exposed pipes helps keep the water inside from freezing.
Don’t let your home get too cold. Keep your thermostat above 10°C, even at night or when you're away. A warm home helps keep pipes warm, especially those inside walls.
During very cold nights, open your cold water taps slightly. A slow drip relieves pressure and helps prevent water from freezing inside the pipes.
Cold air can enter your home through gaps near pipes. Use:
Caulk
Expanding foam
Weather stripping
Seal all openings around pipes to stop cold air from lowering the temperature around them.
Remove all garden hoses from outside taps. Shut off outdoor water valves and drain any leftover water. Frozen hose water can back up into your plumbing and cause a pipe to burst.
If a pipe bursts, the first step is to shut off the water. Make sure you and your family know where the main shut-off valve is located. This can save you thousands in water damage.
Before the cold sets in, get your plumbing checked by a professional. At Mobile Leak Detection, we provide:
Pre-winter pipe checks
Non-invasive leak detection
Fast plumbing assistance across Gauteng
Prevent problems before they start with a quick home plumbing inspection.
Freezing overnight temperatures
Poor insulation
High water pressure
Ageing or corroded pipes
Taking action before winter can prevent these issues.