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How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During Winter Months

Contrary to popular misconception, the average plumber doesn’t want to have to take care of your frozen pipe, or worse, a burst pipe! At Viking Sewer & Camera Inspection LLC, we’re here for you anytime, day or night, ready to respond when you need emergency plumbing service. What we’d much rather do is help you prevent frozen pipes in the first place. Even in Eustis, where winters are usually mild, a sudden cold snap or overnight freeze can still put your plumbing at risk. Taking proactive steps now can help you avoid costly plumbing repairs later.

What Homeowners Should Know About Avoiding Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes may not be a daily concern in Florida, but when temperatures dip unexpectedly, the risk is real. Cold fronts in January and February can bring overnight freezes that catch homeowners off guard. Unlike in northern states, many Florida homes were not designed with extended freezes in mind, which makes pipes here even more vulnerable. By staying ahead of the weather, you can protect your plumbing system, prevent property damage, and reduce the likelihood of expensive plumbing repairs.

Practical Tips to Keep Your Pipes Safe

1. Insulate pipes: Covering exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, or outdoor areas with foam insulation helps keep them warmer when temperatures drop. This small investment provides big protection against frozen water lines and avoids plumbing repairs caused by cracked pipes.
2. Keep the heat on: If you’ll be away from home, make sure the thermostat is set to no lower than 55°F. Consistent indoor heat prevents pipes from freezing inside the walls and under cabinets. Maintaining a steady temperature is much cheaper than paying for emergency plumbing repairs caused by water damage.
3. Seal air leaks: Cold air can sneak into your home through gaps near windows, doors, or areas where pipes enter the house. Sealing those leaks not only keeps your pipes warmer but also improves energy efficiency. This step protects your plumbing and helps lower your utility bills at the same time.
4. Disconnect outdoor hoses: Before a cold snap, remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain any standing water. Leaving hoses connected can trap water inside the faucet and cause it to freeze and burst. Faucet covers are another simple tool to prevent damage and keep plumbing repairs off your to-do list.
5. Keep cabinet doors open: On especially cold nights, open cabinet doors under sinks located against exterior walls. Allowing warm indoor air to circulate around the pipes helps reduce the risk of freezing and bursting.
6. Let the faucet drip: A slow drip of cold water from your faucet can keep water moving through the pipes, which helps prevent ice from forming. While it may slightly increase your water bill, it’s far less expensive than repairing water damage from a burst pipe.

What to Do if a Pipe Freezes

Even with the best precautions, sometimes pipes still freeze. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, a frozen pipe may be the cause. Act quickly by shutting off your main water valve to prevent flooding if the pipe bursts. Use a hairdryer or heating pad to gently thaw the frozen section, but never use an open flame. If you cannot locate the frozen area or if the pipe has already burst, contact a professional plumber immediately. Quick action is the key to minimizing damage and avoiding even more costly plumbing repairs.

Call for Immediate Help

Homeowners in Eustis know they can count on Viking Sewer & Camera Inspection LLC for reliable plumbing service. We are available for routine maintenance, installations, and replacements, as well as urgent emergencies when you need help the most. Whether it’s frozen pipe prevention, thawing assistance, or plumbing repairs after a burst, our team is here to protect your home and restore your peace of mind.

Do not wait until a cold snap causes costly damage. Contact Viking Sewer & Camera Inspection LLC today for expert plumbing repairs, preventive care, and emergency service you can rely on all winter long.