Tips to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing Temps

Freezing temperatures can cause major problems for your plumbing system, if preventative measures are not in place. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands and puts pressure on their walls. This pressure can lead to cracks or even bursting, causing extensive damage and flooding once the ice thaws. Here are our recommendations to prepare the plumbing in your home for freezing weather in Indianapolis.

Insulate Vulnerable Areas

Exposed pipes are highly susceptible to freezing. These include outdoor faucets, sprinkler lines, and any plumbing that runs through unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, or attics. Start by identifying these exposed pipes and insulate them using pipe insulation sleeves or wrapping them with heat tape.

Foundation cracks Small cracks in your home's foundation can allow cold air to seep in and reach your plumbing system. Carefully inspect both the interior and exterior foundation walls for any visible cracks or gaps. Seal them using an appropriate waterproof sealant or caulk to prevent drafts and maintain a consistent temperature.

Crawl spaces and attics are notorious for poor insulation and ventilation, making them prime candidates for frozen pipes. Ensure these areas are adequately insulated by installing insulation batts or rolls, paying special attention to the exposed plumbing within them.

If your garage is attached to the house, ensure there are no gaps around doors or windows that could let cold air in. Additionally, if you have plumbing fixtures in your garage, such as a utility sink or washing machine, insulate the pipes leading to those fixtures.

Maintain Adequate Heating

Set thermostat temperature - During freezing weather conditions, it's essential to keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature day and night. Aim for a minimum of 55°F (13°C) even when you're not actively using certain areas of your home.

Open cabinet doors - If you have cabinets beneath sinks along exterior walls, open the doors to allow warm air from your home's heating system to circulate around the pipes. This simple trick can make a significant difference in preventing freezing.

Keep your garage doors closed as much as possible - This helps to maintain a warmer temperature inside and minimize exposure to freezing outdoor air.

Let Faucets Drip and Locate Water Shut-Off

In extreme cold weather conditions, even the best insulation may not guarantee absolute protection against frozen pipes. In such cases, taking extra precautions can make all the difference.

Drip facuets - When temperatures drop below freezing and you're concerned about pipes potentially freezing, allowing faucets to drip slightly can relieve pressure within the plumbing system. Even a small trickle of water flowing through the pipes can prevent them from freezing solid.

Locate your water shut-off - In situations where you'll be away from home for an extended period during frigid weather, it's advisable to shut off the main water supply and drain your pipes. This precautionary measure ensures there's no water left sitting in the system that could freeze while you're away.

Do you have questions about protecting your plumbing this winter?

Call the pros at L.D. Smith Plumbing to address any plumbing needs in your home - from preventataive to emergencies. Request an appointment today.

Storage or tankless? What's the best option?

Lance Smith on Fox 59 Indianapolis discussing tankless water heaters

It's hard to know if your home is better suited for a tankless or storage tank water heater. Lance Smith, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, visited Indianapolis morning show Indy Now to discuss the differences between storage and tankless water heaters. Check out the full interview here: https://fox59.com/video/indy-now-july-18th-l-d-smith-plumbing/8827892/

Tankless FAQ

Who should consider a tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater is for those who desire endless hot water, have space concerns, or want a more efficient product.

Do I need a gas or electric line to install a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters work with electric, natural gas, or propane.

What brand does L.D. Smith Plumbing recommend?

We are a proud supplier of Navien tankless water heaters. Recognized for its sophisticated engineering and robust design, Navien is one of the fastest-growing companies in the home comfort sector and a leader in providing condensing tankless water heaters.

Is a consultation needed prior to installation?

We highly recommend a consultation to inspect the location of your current water heater and help you determine if a tankless water heater is the best solution for your home.

Will my older home accommodate a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters work well in most homes – old and new. Again, we highly recommend a consultation with a member of our team to confirm if a tankless water heater is the best solution for your home.
L.D. Smith Plumbing services include installation and repair of water heaters in the Indianapolis area. If you are looking to replace your water heater, our latest deal is $300 of a tankless water heater and $150 off storage water heaters. Financing is available with monthly payments as low as $27  for storage and $75  for tankless. 

Request your appointment with Indy's plumbing heroes today!

L.D. Smith Plumbing owner featured in newsletter

Lance Smith, owner of L.D. Smith Plumbing, is featured in the recent newsletter for Greater Indianapolis Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors (GIPHCC). Lance is a member of the GIPHCC Board of Directors.

His profile in the GIPHCC newsletter highlights his journey to becoming a plumber and owning his own company.

"(Lance's) first plumbing role was in new construction. Lance enjoyed the work but wanted to get into the service side. He worked for a service company for two years and decided to branch out on his own," the article states. "He started on his own, like many others, out of his garage and quickly grew into the multi-employee company he has today."

The article also highlights Lance's passion for barefoot water skiing, especially on the White River near his home. "If you see anyone boating or kayaking down the river or being pulled without skis, odds are it's Lance enjoying his time away from work."

Read the full article here.