Cold winter nights don’t just make your home less comfortable—they also pose the risk of frozen pipes. Not only do frozen pipes block your access to water, but because water expands when it freezes, you may also face leaks or bursts. To limit the chances of these problems and the need for septic repairs, follow the guide below to prepare your plumbing for cold nights.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Add Pipe Insulation

Insulating your plumbing is easy, and it’s particularly vital for pipes in areas that don’t benefit from your house’s insulation. Any pipes that run through the attic, basement, or garage should be wrapped in heat tape, which you can find at the local hardware store. This insulation can also reduce heat loss on your hot water pipes, saving you a little bit of money.

2. Let the Faucet Drip

Letting your faucet run overnight may seem wasteful, but the minor rise in your water bills is nothing compared to the thousands of dollars in water damage that can occur if a pipe bursts while you’re asleep. Leaving the faucet open just a trickle will keep the water in the pipes moving enough to prevent freezing. To ensure you’re not wasting water every night, watch the forecast closely and leave the faucets on any time a significant temperature drop is expected.

3. Set the Thermostat Correctly

To save money on heating, set your thermostat to a lower setback point during the night and while you’re away at work. However, if your home is older and has poorly insulated pipes, this setback point could increase the likelihood of freezing. Instead, keep the temperature inside your home steady to combat frozen plumbing.

If you need help clearing a frozen pipe or have a septic system that’s overfilled, contact the team at Downs Drain & Septic Service in Peninsula, OH. For over half a century, they’ve been the source for septic repair, installation, and maintenance as well as sump pump installation and drain cleaning in Summit and Medina counties. To schedule septic repair service, call (330) 929-5555. Visit their website to learn more.