A Homeowner's Guide to Preventing Frozen Pipes in Duryea, PA

Don't Let a NEPA Winter Ruin Your Pipes

Here in Duryea, we know how harsh a Northeast Pennsylvania winter can be. The freezing temperatures pose a significant threat to one of the most critical systems in your home: your plumbing. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands with enough force to cause a burst, leading to flooding and property damage, not to mention a lot of inconvenience.

A little weatherproofing and preventative maintenance can save you from a winter disaster without breaking the bank.

Tip 1: Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

The most at-risk pipes are those in unheated spaces like your basement, crawl space, or garage. You can buy inexpensive foam pipe sleeves from any hardware store or on Amazon. Simply cut them to length and wrap them around the exposed pipes. It's a simple, 30-minute job that can save you thousands.

Tip 2: Disconnect Your Garden Hoses

Before the first frost, it's crucial to disconnect, drain, and store your garden hoses. Then, find the shut-off valve for your outdoor spigots (usually in the basement) and turn it off. This prevents any trapped water from freezing, expanding, and cracking the pipe.

Tip 3: Keep the Heat On

Even if you're leaving town for the holidays, never turn your heat completely off. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F. The cost of heating an empty home is nothing compared to the cost of repairing a burst pipe and the resulting water damage.

Tip 4: The Importance of Clean Drains in Winter

Here's a tip many homeowners overlook: get your drains professionally cleaned before winter. If you have a partial clog in your main sewer line, the slow-moving water is much more likely to freeze. This can create an ice dam, leading to an immediate and messy backup. A clean, free-flowing drain is one of your best defenses against a winter plumbing emergency.

Be proactive this season. If you want peace of mind, have your pipes inspected and your drains professionally cleaned. For expert drain and sewer services in the Duryea, Pittston, and Scranton areas, trust the local guys at Drain-Flo. Contact us today to schedule a pre-winter inspection.