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Prep Your Plumbing for Winter

When the temperature drops, water in your pipes can turn from harmless to destructive fast. A single frozen line can burst and cause thousands of dollars in damage within minutes. For homeowners in Indiana and Michigan, this is one of the most common winter emergencies and one of the easiest to prevent with the right preparation.

At Home Comfort Experts, we help families in Fort Wayne, Mishawaka, Valparaiso, and Niles get their homes ready before the first freeze. Here is what to know about why pipes freeze, how to protect them, and what to do if the worst happens.

Why Pipes Freeze and Burst in Winters Here

It all comes down to pressure. When water freezes, it expands. Inside a closed pipe, that expansion pushes against the walls until the pipe cracks or bursts. Once it thaws, water starts pouring out through that weak spot.

In Indiana and Michigan, long cold spells, freezing winds, and heavy snow all add stress to exposed plumbing. Pipes in garages, basements, attics, and crawl spaces are most at risk because they do not get much heat. Older homes with thin insulation or outdoor spigots connected to interior lines are especially vulnerable. Even a small draft from an unsealed vent or window can bring temperatures in those spaces below freezing.

Key Pre-Winter Plumbing Preparations

A little effort before winter can save you a lot of hassle later. These are the same steps our technicians take when helping homeowners prepare for the cold season.

• Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses and spigots. Once the temperature drops, even a small amount of water trapped inside can freeze and expand back into the pipe.

• Insulate any exposed lines in basements, garages, attics, or crawl spaces. Foam sleeves or heat tape make a big difference.

• Check around doors, windows, and entry points where pipes pass through walls. Seal gaps to block cold air.

• Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, even if you are away. Consistent heat helps protect pipes inside walls and cabinets.

• Open cabinet doors under sinks during extreme cold so warm air can reach the plumbing.

• If you have outdoor plumbing for sprinklers or pools, make sure those lines are drained before the first hard freeze.

Winter Monitoring and Emergency Measures

Even with preparation, it is smart to stay alert during extreme cold snaps. Keep an eye on vulnerable areas and follow a few simple precautions.

• Let faucets drip slowly to keep water moving through the lines.

• Keep doors between rooms open so warm air circulates evenly.

• Check colder spots like basements or crawl spaces for signs of frost or moisture.

• Know where your main shutoff valve is located before an emergency happens.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, turn off the main water supply right away. Look for frost or bulging sections of pipe. You can gently warm the area with a hair dryer or wrap it in towels soaked in warm water but avoid using open flames or space heaters. If you are unsure, call a professional for help before turning the water back on.

If a pipe bursts, shut off the water immediately and call for emergency service. Quick action limits damage and keeps repairs manageable.

Professional Services from Home Comfort Experts

Our team provides complete winter plumbing protection for homeowners across Indiana and Michigan. We inspect exposed pipes, test insulation, and make sure your system is ready to handle freezing weather.

Our winter plumbing services include:

• Whole-home plumbing inspections and winterization

• Pipe insulation and sealing for unheated areas

• Leak and freeze detection systems

• Emergency pipe repair and water cleanup

We also help homeowners identify recurring risk areas, such as uninsulated crawl spaces or older pipe runs that freeze every year. Our goal is to keep your plumbing safe all season, not just respond when things go wrong.

Why Homeowners Count on Home Comfort Experts

We live in the same communities we serve, and we know how tough Midwest winters can be. From lake-effect snow in Niles to freezing winds off the prairie near Fort Wayne, we have seen every kind of cold-weather plumbing issue.

Home Comfort Experts has earned the trust of local homeowners because we show up when it matters most. Our technicians are trained, reliable, and always focused on protecting your home and family first. Whether you need a quick inspection in October or an emergency repair in January, you can count on us for fast, professional service.

Schedule a winter plumbing inspection with Home Comfort Experts today. We proudly serve Fort Wayne, Mishawaka, Valparaiso, and Niles with reliable, local service to keep your home protected through every Midwest winter.

Schedule Online Today!