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How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing in Delaware
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One cold night, one frozen pipe and a few hundred gallons later, your winter story gets very expensive. Delaware freezes hard enough to make this a real risk every year. Ten cheap habits keep your pipes intact and your spring budget safe.
Pipe already burst? Call (302) 400-8531, 24/7 emergency response.
(302) 400-853110 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves, especially in crawl spaces, attics and garages
Install pipe heating cable on high-risk runs, following manufacturer instructions
Keep the thermostat at 55°F minimum, even when away
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during extreme cold
Let faucets drip slightly during sustained freezes to keep water moving
Seal air leaks near pipes, such as gaps around wires, vents and dryer ducts
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off hose bibs before winter
Vacant property plan
For student rentals and vacation homes, consider shutting off and draining the water system.
Install a smart thermostat or sensor with temperature-drop alerts
Know your main shutoff so you can act in seconds
High-Risk Locations
| Location | Why It Freezes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior walls | Little insulation, cold air contact | Insulate, open cabinets |
| Crawl spaces | Vents and uninsulated floors | Seal vents, insulate pipes |
| Attics | Exposed to cold air | Insulate pipes and attic |
| Garages | Unheated | Insulate, heat cable |
| Outdoor faucets | Fully exposed | Disconnect hoses, shut off |
If a Pipe Freezes
Turn off the water at the main shutoff
Open the faucet to relieve pressure
Warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or warm towels
Never use open flame.
If it has burst or you cannot thaw it, call a plumber and a restoration company
Why Freeze Damage Is So Costly
A frozen pipe may crack long before it thaws. When the ice melts, water pours out inside a wall or ceiling, often unnoticed until much later. By the time stains appear, insulation, drywall and framing can be saturated.
Related Pages
FAQ
Frozen Pipe FAQs
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Risk rises when temperatures stay below about 20°F, especially for pipes in unprotected spaces. Wind and poor insulation raise risk at higher temperatures.
Should I leave my heat on when I travel?
Yes. Keep it at 55°F or higher.
Does dripping a faucet really help?
Moving water is less likely to freeze, and it helps relieve pressure between a blockage and the faucet.
Does insurance cover a burst frozen pipe?
Commonly yes when sudden and accidental, though policies may require you to have maintained heat in the home.
What if I find a frozen pipe but it has not burst?
Shut off the water, thaw carefully and call a plumber if you cannot resolve it safely.
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