How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Maine: Winter-Proof Your Home 

January 29, 2025by One Stop Home Repair

Maine winters can be brutal—and if you’re not careful, your pipes could pay the price! When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside your pipes can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst—leading to costly water damage. 😱

But don’t worry! Preventing frozen pipes is easier (and cheaper) than fixing them. Here’s how to protect your home and keep your plumbing in top shape all winter long.


Keep the Heat On (Even When You’re Away!)

You might be tempted to turn down the heat to save on energy bills, but if your pipes freeze and burst, you’ll end up paying way more in repairs!

✔️ Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher—even when you’re not home.
✔️ Open interior doors to allow warm air to circulate.
✔️ If you have rooms that stay colder (like basements or attics), use a space heater to keep pipes warm.


Let Faucets Drip (Yes, Really!)

Moving water doesn’t freeze as easily as standing water, so on super cold nights:

✔️ Turn on a slow drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes.
✔️ Focus on pipes near exterior walls or in unheated areas.
✔️ It might increase your water bill a bit—but it’s way cheaper than fixing a burst pipe!


Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in unheated areas (attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages) need extra protection.

✔️ Wrap pipes with foam insulation or heat tape.
✔️ Seal gaps and cracks in walls to keep cold air out.
✔️ For extreme cold, pipe sleeves or heating cables add extra protection.


Close Garage Doors & Seal Drafts

Your garage can be a major source of cold air sneaking into your home.

✔️ Keep garage doors closed—especially if water pipes run through the garage.
✔️ Weatherstrip doors & windows to block out freezing drafts.
✔️ Add extra insulation in crawl spaces and basements.


Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is

If a pipe does freeze and burst, shutting off the main water supply ASAP can prevent major flooding.

✔️ Locate your main shut-off valve now (before an emergency!).
✔️ Make sure everyone in your household knows how to turn it off.


What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you turn on the faucet and only a trickle comes out, your pipes might be frozen.

🔹 DO NOT use an open flame or blowtorch to thaw pipes—it’s a fire hazard! 🚫🔥
🔹 Use a hairdryer, space heater, or warm towels to gently warm the pipe.
🔹 Open the faucet to let water start flowing once it thaws.
🔹 If you can’t locate the freeze or it won’t thaw, call a pro immediately before it bursts!


Need Help Winter-Proofing Your Pipes? We’ve Got You Covered!

At One Stop Home Repair, we know Maine winters can be tough—but your home doesn’t have to suffer! Whether you need pipe insulation, emergency repairs, or a plumbing check-up, our team is ready to help.

📞 Call us today to get your home winter-ready before it’s too late!

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