To help prevent frozen pipes in Wisconsin, prepare before freezing weather arrives: disconnect outdoor hoses, protect vulnerable water lines and keep the heat on. For homeowners in Hudson, Baldwin and the St. Croix Valley, knowing where pipes are exposed and where the main water valve is located is a practical part of winter preparation. These steps can reduce risk, but no checklist can guarantee that pipes will never freeze.
Understanding the Risk of Freezing Temperatures
Water expands as it freezes and can place enough pressure on a pipe to cause a break. Outdoor hose bibs and supply lines, pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces, attics or garages, and pipes along poorly insulated exterior walls are especially vulnerable.
Check both hot and cold water lines in these areas. Locating vulnerable pipes before cold weather helps you decide where insulation or professional advice may be needed.
Essential Pre-Winter Plumbing Preparation
Before freezing weather, inspect accessible water lines along exterior walls and in unheated areas. Insulate vulnerable hot and cold water pipes, and learn where the main water valve is located so it can be closed quickly if a pipe bursts.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipe sleeves and other products made for insulating water pipes can help protect exposed lines. Choose a product suitable for the pipe and follow its installation instructions. Insulation helps reduce heat loss, but it is not a substitute for maintaining heat around vulnerable plumbing during extended freezing weather.
Install Heat Tape or Heat Cables
For pipes that are highly susceptible to freezing, such as those in unheated crawl spaces or exterior walls, installing heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables provides an active defense. These devices wrap around the pipe and generate a gentle heat to keep the water above freezing. It is imperative to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as improper installation can create a fire hazard. Always plug heat tape into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet.
Seal Leaks and Drafts
Cold air drafts can quickly freeze a pipe, even if the surrounding room is relatively warm. Inspect the perimeter of your home for cracks or holes where pipes, wires, or cables enter the building. Use caulk or expanding foam insulation to seal these gaps. Pay special attention to the sill plate, where the house framing meets the foundation, as this is a common area for cold air infiltration.
Protecting Exterior Faucets and Hoses
Prepare outdoor hoses, faucets and supply lines before freezing weather. The right steps depend on how your exterior plumbing is installed.
Disconnect and Drain Garden Hoses
Remove, drain and store outdoor hoses before freezing weather arrives. Leaving a hose connected can trap water and increase the risk of freeze damage, including on some frost-free faucets.
Shut Off and Drain Exterior Faucets
If your home has an inside valve supplying an outdoor hose bib, close it. Then open the outside faucet to let the line drain, and leave the outside faucet open. If you cannot identify the shutoff or are unsure how your faucet is installed, ask a plumber about the appropriate winter preparation.
Drain sprinkler or pool supply lines according to the manufacturer’s or installer’s instructions. Do not add antifreeze unless those instructions call for it.
Daily Habits to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Wisconsin
During extreme cold snaps, your daily habits can make a significant difference in protecting your plumbing system. Implementing a few simple practices can help maintain adequate heat around your pipes.
Keep Cabinet Doors Open
Pipes located under kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially those on exterior walls, are highly vulnerable. When the temperature drops significantly, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air from the room to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners or household chemicals out of reach if you have small children or pets in the home.
Allow Faucets to Drip
During very cold weather, let cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Even a trickle can help reduce the risk of freezing. Keep heat on around vulnerable pipes; dripping water is not a guarantee against freezing.
Maintain Consistent Thermostat Settings
While it may be tempting to lower the thermostat at night to save on heating costs, doing so during extreme cold can put your pipes at risk. Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature both day and night. If you plan to be away from home for an extended period during the winter, never set the temperature lower than 55°F. Ask a trusted neighbor or family member to check on your house daily to ensure the heating system is functioning properly.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
Despite your best efforts to prevent frozen pipes in Wisconsin, extreme weather can sometimes overwhelm your defenses. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, or if there is no water at all, you likely have a frozen pipe. Acting quickly and safely is essential to minimize damage.
Locate the Frozen Section
Keep the affected faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the ice plug begins to melt, water will need a place to flow. Running water through the pipe will also help melt the ice. Inspect the exposed pipes in your basement, crawl space, or attic. A frozen pipe may have a layer of frost on the outside or feel noticeably colder than other pipes.
Safely Thaw the Pipe
Keep the affected faucet open while gently warming an accessible pipe with an electric hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water. Keep electrical devices away from water. Never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or another open-flame device.
If a pipe bursts, close the main water valve and seek plumbing help. If you cannot locate or safely reach the frozen section, or cannot thaw it, call a licensed plumber. Check other faucets too, because more than one pipe may be frozen.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Dealing with frozen plumbing can be stressful and potentially dangerous. If a pipe has already burst, immediately shut off the main water supply to your home to prevent further flooding and contact a professional. A qualified plumber has the specialized equipment to safely thaw hidden pipes and repair any damage to your plumbing system.
Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to strike this winter. If you need assistance winterizing your home, installing frost-proof faucets, or dealing with a frozen pipe, our experienced team is ready to help. Contact Boldt’s Plumbing & Heating today to discuss practical protection for your home this winter.
For additional homeowner guidance, see the American Red Cross guide to preventing and thawing frozen pipes.