When freezing nights and icy winds arrive, every pipe in your home faces extra strain that could lead to costly bursts or leaks. Taking action now safeguards your plumbing and keeps your home running smoothly as the cold deepens.
At AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, in Farmington Hills, MI, we guide you through the steps to protect your pipes before frost sets in.
Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets trap water in exposed lines, turning them into ice bombs when the mercury drops. First, locate the indoor shutoff valve serving each exterior tap and close it entirely. Then turn the outdoor faucet on and let any water drain out. Keeping the handle open lets pressure release and water run free instead of staying inside to freeze.
Do the same for every outdoor spigot. You can also hire a pro to swap in frost-resistant fixtures that shut off water inside your wall, so no ice forms in the line. That upgrade costs more up front, but spares you from emergency repairs and water damage when winter storm clouds gather.
Insulate Pipes in Unfinished and Unheated Spaces
Pipes in basements, crawlspaces, and garages often sit just below freezing air, especially at night. Wrapping those lines in foam pipe insulation shields them from cold drafts. Installers cut sleeves to fit snugly around hot and cold water lines, sealing seams with waterproof tape. For hidden runs inside walls, professional plumbers can inject loose-fill insulation or apply spray foam to create a protective barrier around pipes.
That method blankets the lines behind drywall without demolition. A certified technician assesses which zones get coldest and focuses insulation there, saving energy where it matters most. Insulating hot water pipes reduces heat loss and energy demand, while insulating cold water lines helps prevent freezing and condensation.
Install Heat-Trace Cables on Vulnerable Runs
Heat-trace cables act as an electric blanket for pipes that are located in the coldest areas. These cables wrap around the pipe and turn on when temperatures approach freezing. They deliver just enough warmth to keep water flowing without wasting electricity.
Professionals choose cables rated for use in wet or damp locations, attach them to pipes using manufacturer-approved clips, and connect them to a thermostat-controlled power source. That automatic switching means you don’t have to remember to flip a switch when snow arrives.
For example, a cable installed on the water supply leading to a detached garage keeps that faucet ready to use, even during subzero nights. A licensed electrician handles the wiring to ensure compliance with electrical codes and keeps your system safe.
Test and Maintain Main Shutoff Valves
In a pipe burst, shutting off the main valve fast stops flooding. Valves can seize up or start leaking around the packing nut as they age. Ask a licensed plumber to cycle each valve all the way off and on to free things up.
They’ll oil the stem and swap out any worn seals so the handle turns easily. Your plumber will also test shutoff valves under sinks and behind appliances, tagging any that stick or drip so you can get them fixed before they cause trouble.
Clear labeling of each valve’s location speeds emergency response when temperatures plunge at night. A valve that moves freely and seals completely cuts water flow in seconds, limiting damage and giving you time to call for repairs instead of mopping up floors.
Inspect Your Water Heater and Sump Pump
Your water heater faces extra demand when heat cycles run longer in cold weather. A plumber checks the pressure-relief valve, flushes sediment from the tank, and measures temperature and pressure to confirm safe operation. They also examine the water heater’s insulation blanket and thermostat settings.
A well-tuned unit reaches the set temperature without overworking, reducing strain on pipes and fittings. Meanwhile, fall rains can soak the ground around your foundation, so your sump pump must be ready. Technicians remove debris from the basin, test the float switch, and verify the discharge line stays clear to carry water away. A reliable sump pump prevents basement flooding when frozen ground blocks natural drainage.
Upgrade to Frost-Proof Fixtures and Smart Monitoring
Frost-proof fixtures move the shutoff valve inside your heated walls, keeping water away from freezing air. Replacing older spigots with those fixtures gives you worry-free outdoor access year-round. You can also install smart leak sensors at key points, such as water heater drains, under sinks, and near washing machines.
When moisture appears, sensors send instant alerts to your phone and can tie into an automatic shutoff valve for the main line. That layered protection catches drips before they become floods and protects both interior and exterior plumbing. Smart monitoring adds a modern safety net that works even when you’re away.
Monitor Indoor Humidity and Temperature Fluctuations
Cold air holds less moisture, which means your home can dry out quickly as the furnace runs more often. Low humidity can cause wood framing and trim to shrink, while poorly sealed wall penetrations can let in drafts that stress nearby pipes.
Install a hygrometer in living areas near exterior walls to track relative humidity and indoor temperature. If readings drop below thirty percent humidity, a whole-house humidifier can add just enough moisture to protect woodwork and maintain comfort.
Your plumber can tie a whole-house humidifier into your existing water line and furnace blower so it runs only when needed. By balancing humidity and temperature, you protect pipes from stress cracks and maintain a comfortable climate that’s kinder to both your home’s structure and your skin.
Secure Vulnerable Interior Pipes
Pipes tucked behind cabinets and in utility rooms can freeze when doors stay closed against winter drafts. Open cabinet doors beneath sinks and around appliances to let warm air circulate around the lines. For extra protection, install small, low-wattage pipe heating cables that wrap around pipes and plug into a standard outlet.
Those heating cables keep water just above freezing without wasting energy. In spaces where pipes pass through unheated walls, a plumber can add quick-connect jackets: foam shells that slip over the line and seal around the penetration with weather-resistant caulk.
That approach stops cold air from pouring in through tiny gaps around the pipe. If you have a bathroom rarely used in winter, ask a technician to install an easily accessible shutoff valve inside the heated part of the home so you can close the water supply to that fixture and drain the lines. Taking these steps before the deep freeze means you won’t come home to cracked pipes when temperatures dip in the dead of winter.
Plan for Professional Winter Maintenance Visits
After your own prep, book a winter checkup with a licensed plumber. They’ll go over each step you’ve done, test backflow devices, and use a tiny camera to peek into hidden pipe connections.
Your plumber can also tweak humidity controls so pipes don’t sweat and adjust your pressure regulator to keep fittings snug. For example, they might catch a small leak in your irrigation backflow before cold weather turns it into a bigger problem. Having a pro inspect everything before the first freeze brings peace of mind and can activate warranties on any new parts, saving you from surprise costs later.
Protect Your Home Before Freezing Temperatures Hit
At AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, our licensed plumbers specialize in water heater tune-ups, backflow testing, and emergency repairs. We back every job with clear estimates and follow-up reminders so your plumbing stays reliable throughout the cold season. Schedule your winter prep now and rest easy when temperatures dip.
Contact AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical today to schedule your pre-freeze service.
