The Connecticut Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Frozen Pipes
 

Section 1: The Introduction

 

Here in Connecticut, we know how to handle a tough winter. We’ve got the shovels, the rock salt, and the snow tires ready to go. But what about the hidden danger lurking inside our walls? A single frozen pipe can quickly turn into a burst pipe, causing thousands of dollars in water damage, costly repairs, and a massive headache you just don't need.

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At R&R Plumbing, we've seen firsthand the devastation a burst pipe can cause for a family. For over 14 years, we've been the team Meriden calls for emergency repairs. But honestly, we’d much rather help you prevent the disaster in the first place.

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This guide is our first-hand knowledge, distilled into a simple, step-by-step checklist to protect your home this winter.

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Peace of Mind Before the First Frost

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Feeling overwhelmed? Let the experts handle it. R&R Plumbing offers a comprehensive Home Winterization Inspection to identify and address all your high-risk areas.

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Section 2: Understanding the Risk

 

 

Understanding the Risk: Why Your Pipes Are in Danger

 

It’s simple science: when water freezes, it expands by about 9%. This expansion puts immense pressure on your plumbing, whether it's copper, plastic, or steel. It’s not the ice itself, but the pressure between the ice blockage and the closed faucet that causes the pipe to rupture.

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In a typical Connecticut home, the highest-risk pipes are those exposed to the cold, including:

• Pipes in unheated attics, crawl spaces, and basements.

• Pipes located in exterior walls with little insulation.

• Outdoor hose bibs (spigots) and plumbing for sprinkler systems.

 

Section 3: The DIY Checklist

 

 

Your Essential Fall Prevention Checklist: The DIY Steps

 

Work through this list before the first deep freeze hits. A few hours of prevention now can save you a world of trouble later.

 

✅ Outside The Home

 

• Disconnect Your Hoses: Drain all garden hoses, roll them up, and store them for the winter. A hose left connected is the #1 cause of a frozen outdoor spigot.

• Shut Off Exterior Faucets: Locate the interior shut-off valve for each outdoor faucet (usually found in the basement or a crawl space). Turn it to the "off" position.

• Drain the Faucet: Go back outside and turn the spigot on to let any remaining water drain out completely. Leave it open for the winter.

• Insulate the Faucet: For extra protection, cover each outdoor faucet with an inexpensive foam insulation cover, available at any hardware store.

 

✅ Inside The Home

 

• Insulate Vulnerable Pipes: Identify pipes in unheated areas. Use foam pipe sleeves or heat tape to insulate both hot and cold water lines. It's a simple, effective way to add a crucial layer of protection.

• Seal Air Leaks: Use caulk or insulation to seal any cracks or holes in your foundation, walls, and around window and door frames. Cold air is the enemy—don't let it sneak in and freeze your pipes.

• Keep Your Garage Door Closed: If you have water supply lines in your garage, keeping the door shut is a simple but effective way to maintain a slightly higher temperature.

• During Extreme Cold Snaps: If the forecast calls for a brutal cold spell, let cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Even a trickle of moving water can be enough to prevent a freeze-up.

 

Section 4: The Professional Solution

 

 

When to Call a Professional: R&R's Winter-Ready Services

 

Some tasks require an expert eye and the right tools. Our Winterization Inspection is designed to handle the critical tasks that go beyond basic DIY, ensuring your home is truly protected.

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• Professional Insulation: We can access and properly insulate pipes in tight crawl spaces or complex plumbing runs where DIY solutions won't suffice.

• Frost-Proof Sillcock Installation: Upgrade your old outdoor faucets to modern, frost-proof models that automatically prevent water from getting trapped and freezing.

• Comprehensive Plumbing Assessment: Our experienced technicians can spot hidden risks you might miss, from poorly insulated pipes inside walls to potential weak points in your system.

 

Don't Leave It To Chance This Winter. A burst pipe is a preventable disaster. Let the trusted, family-run team at R&R Plumbing secure your home.
 

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Section 5: Emergency Action

 

 

Emergency Action: What To Do If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe

 

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Act fast.
 

• Shut Off the Main Water Supply: Your main water shut-off is likely in your basement or a utility closet. Make sure everyone in your home knows where it is and how to turn it off.

• Keep the Faucet Open: Leave the faucet on. As you treat the frozen pipe, the running water will help melt the ice.

• Gently Warm the Pipe: Apply gentle heat to the frozen section of the pipe using an electric heating pad, a hairdryer, or by wrapping it in towels soaked in hot water. WARNING: NEVER use a blowtorch, propane heater, or any open flame. This can damage the pipes and create a serious fire hazard.

• Call for Help: If you can't find the frozen pipe, can't thaw it, or if it has already burst, call R&R Plumbing immediately for emergency service.

 

Section 6: The Conclusion

 

Your home is your biggest investment. A little preparation goes a long way in protecting it. At R&R Plumbing, we’re more than just your plumbers; we’re your neighbors. We’re here to help you stay safe and warm, all winter long.
 

Ready for a worry-free winter?

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