Winter in Michigan brings freezing temperatures, and when temps drop, your home’s pipes can be at risk. Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient - they can burst, causing expensive water damage. The good news? A few simple preventative measures can keep your pipes safe all winter long.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your pipes can freeze. As water turns to ice, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls. If that pressure builds up too much, the pipe can burst, leading to leaks, flooding, and costly repairs.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes:

✅ Keep the Water Moving – Letting your faucets drip slightly (especially overnight) keeps water flowing, reducing the risk of freezing.

✅ Open Cabinet Doors – If you have pipes inside kitchen or bathroom cabinets, open the doors to let warm air circulate.

✅ Insulate Exposed Pipes – Pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces are most at risk. Wrap them with pipe insulation or even towels as a temporary fix.

✅ Maintain a Steady Temperature – Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when you’re not home. Extreme temperature drops can happen fast, so consistency is key.

✅ Disconnect & Drain Outdoor Hoses – Water left inside hoses can freeze and cause backups into your pipes. Always disconnect, drain, and store them before a freeze.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

🚨 Don’t panic! If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you might have a frozen pipe. Try these steps:

🔹 Turn on the faucet to relieve pressure.

🔹 Apply heat using a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels - never use an open flame!

🔹 If multiple pipes are frozen or a pipe bursts, turn off the main water supply and call a plumber.

⏰ Habit Frequency: During extreme cold snaps & throughout winter.

Stay warm, stay safe, and keep those pipes flowing, friends!