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How Can I Prevent My Pipes From Freezing During Maryland’s Cold Spells?

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Maryland has relatively mild winters. The average temperature typically stays above freezing, with only the occasional cold snap. However, when those stretches of frigid weather arrive, you might be concerned and wondering, “How can I prevent my pipes from freezing? 

The good news is that pipes will only freeze when exposed to low temperatures for an extended period. In most cases, as long as your furnace is running and your home stays warm, you won’t have any trouble. Still, if you want to be sure that the water inside the pipes won’t freeze and cause them to burst, there are a few preventive measures you can take. 

Invest in Furnace Maintenance

Keeping pipes warm is the key to avoiding a messy disaster. One of the first things we recommend when customers ask, “How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?” is investing in furnace maintenance before the cold weather arrives. A well-maintained furnace is considerably less likely to break down and will keep your home warm enough so the pipes don’t freeze. 

Protect Pipes in Exposed Areas 

Exposed water pipes that travel through colder parts of your home, like the basement, crawlspace, or attic, are more likely to freeze than interior pipes when the temperature drops. Insulating water pipes in these areas can keep them warm. Ask a plumber about adding thermostatic heat tape or heating cables to ensure consistent warmth. 

Open Cabinets 

Wondering about how to avoid frozen pipes? During cold spells, opening the cabinet doors allows warm air to circulate around the pipes and keep them warm. 

Block Cold Air 

Keeping your home warm is just as much a matter of keeping cold air out as it is about producing heat. Before winter arrives, inspect your home for air leaks, especially in the attic and basement and around windows and doors. Seal them with weather stripping and caulking, use draft stoppers, and cover your windows with insulated drapes or shades to keep your home toasty warm and more energy efficient.

Turn on the Faucets 

During extremely cold weather, turn on the faucets to let a slow, continuous stream of water flow. Maintaining water flow through the pipes can prevent freezing. 

Protect Outdoor Plumbing 

When people ask, “How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?” they cannot overlook the importance of winterizing outdoor plumbing. Turning off the water supply to spigots, disconnecting and draining hoses, and protecting external faucets with insulated covers can reduce exposure to freezing temperatures and the risk of a frozen pipe. 

Protect Your Pipes This Winter With Help From J.C. Warner HVAC 

When you call J.C. Warner HVAC in Queenstown, MD, our licensed plumbers will make sure you have all the winter plumbing tips you need. 

Are you having problems and need plumbing emergency solutions? We’re here to help with that, too. Call (410) 758-2278, and we’ll be there to help right away. 


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