How To Prevent Frozen Pipes in a Michigan Winter

Northern Michigan winters are hard on plumbing. Frozen pipes can burst and flood a home within hours of thawing, but a little prevention goes a long way.

Before the cold hits:

1. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, then shut off exterior spigots.

2. Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, garages, basements and exterior walls.

3. Seal drafts and gaps near pipes where cold air can get in.

4. Know where your main water shutoff is, so you can act fast.

During a cold snap:

1. Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when you are away.

2. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes.

3. Let a faucet drip slightly. Moving water is much harder to freeze.

If a pipe freezes:

Shut off the main water, open the faucet, and call us. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe. If a pipe has already burst, see our guide on what to do before the plumber arrives. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-855-475-7827.