How to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing This Winter
If you’ve made it through to the other side of a Philadelphia winter, you know how unpredictable it can be. One day it’s chilly but manageable, and the next the wind cuts right through you.
While we bundle up in coats and scarves, our plumbing doesn’t have that luxury. When the temperatures dip too low, water inside your pipes can freeze. That ice expands, and before long, you could be looking at cracks, leaks, or full-on burst pipes.
Flooded floors, ruined drywall, and day of repairs aren’t what anyone wants on their winter calendar. The good news is that with some preparation, frozen pipe prevention is easier than you might think.
At Greater Works Plumbing, we’ve helped families all over Philadelphia avoid emergencies with a few simple strategies, giving them peace of mind that their homes are protected.
Why Do Frozen Pipes Turn Into Emergencies?
Here’s why frozen pipes are such a big deal. When water turns to ice, it doesn’t shrink; it expands. The pressure builds inside the pipe until even strong materials give way.
Sometimes you won’t even notice there’s a problem until water gushes into your basement or kitchen. That’s when homeowners usually end up calling for emergency plumbing services.
Yes, we can handle frozen pipe repair quickly, but we always tell people: prevention is much easier than cleanup.
Insulation: The Easiest Step
One of the smartest moves you can make is adding pipe insulation. Think of it like giving your pipes a warm coat before the cold snap arrives.
Pipes in unheated spaces, such as garages, attics, crawl spaces, and drafty basements, freeze first. A little insulation around them can make all the difference.
Not sure whether your setup is ready for the cold? One of our pipe repair services in Philadelphia can walk you through it, providing the support you need to protect your home.
The truth is, even the tiniest leak can make your plumbing more vulnerable to freezing.We explain this more in our guide on the hidden dangers of ignoring small plumbing problems.
What if it’s Too Late?
Sometimes, no matter what you do, the pipes still freeze. Maybe you notice water slowing to a trickle, or you see frost building up on the pipe itself. If that happens, resist the urge to grab a blowtorch. A gentle source of heat, like a space heater or even a hair dryer, does the trick.
And if the pipe has already burst or you can’t get water moving again, that’s when you call for frozen pipe repair in Philadelphia.
The team at Greater Works Plumbing, with our tools and extensive experience, can thaw pipes safely and repair damage before it spreads further, giving you the confidence that your home is in expert hands.
Stay Ahead of the Cold
Winter isn’t going anywhere, but plumbing disasters don’t have to be part of the season. Whether you’re worried about insulation, need help with frozen pipe repair, or want someone on call if you end up with burst pipes, we’re here for you.
Protect your home now. Contact us today, and let Greater Works Plumbing keep your pipes safe this winter.