7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Pipes This Winter (and How to Fix Them)

Winter in Cleveland, TN can be tough on your plumbing. When temperatures drop, your pipes are at risk: and a lot of homeowners make the same mistakes without even realizing it. Here are seven common winter pipe mistakes and how to fix them before they turn into expensive problems.

1. Leaving Garden Hoses Attached

This one’s easy to forget. But when you leave a hose connected to your outdoor faucet, water can freeze inside and back up into your pipes. Even frost-free spigots need the hose disconnected to drain right.

The fix: Disconnect all hoses and drain your outdoor faucets before the first hard freeze hits Cleveland.

2. Dropping Your Thermostat Too Low

We get it: you want to save on heating. But setting your thermostat too low when you leave town is asking for frozen pipes.

The fix: Keep your home at least 55°F, even when you’re away. Your pipes will thank you.

3. Ignoring Small Leaks

That tiny drip under the sink? It’s a bigger deal in winter. Freezing water expands, and small cracks can turn into burst pipes fast.

The fix: Check for leaks now and get them repaired. If you’re in Cleveland, TN, American Trail Plumbing can help you find and fix leaks before winter makes them worse.

4. Poor Pipe Insulation

Wrapping pipes sounds simple, but gaps or wet insulation won’t do much good. Pipes in crawlspaces and attics are especially vulnerable.

The fix: Make sure insulation covers the whole pipe with no gaps. Add heat tape in really cold spots.

5. Keeping Cabinet Doors Closed

Pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks can freeze when cabinet doors stay shut on cold nights.

The fix: Open those cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around the pipes.

6. Thawing Pipes with an Open Flame

This is dangerous. Using a torch or open flame can start a fire or cause pipes to burst from rapid expansion.

The fix: Use a hairdryer or heating pad instead. Start at the faucet and work your way back.

7. Letting Cold Air Into Crawlspaces

Open vents and gaps around pipes let freezing air reach your plumbing.

The fix: Seal crawlspace vents, caulk gaps, and keep garage doors closed.

Need Help This Winter?

If you’re dealing with frozen pipes, leaks, or just want to make sure your plumbing is ready for the cold, give American Trail Plumbing a call. We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Cleveland, TN and the surrounding areas. Don’t wait until a small problem turns into a big one (reach out today!)