At Heidler Plumbing, we know just how brutal Maryland winters can be, especially on your home’s plumbing. As temperatures dip below freezing, your pipes become vulnerable to cracking, bursting, and causing major water damage. The good news? You can avoid this stressful (and costly) situation with some preparation and the right plumbing strategies.
Here’s how to prevent frozen pipes in Maryland homes before winter hits full force—and why proactive pipe care is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Risk
When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands. This expansion creates pressure that can cause the pipe to crack or burst, resulting in flooding, water damage, and expensive repairs. Pipes located in unheated or exposed areas—like crawl spaces, attics, basements, garages, and exterior walls—are especially at risk during freezing temperatures.
A single burst pipe can release gallons of water per minute into your home, so prevention is key.
Top Pipe Insulation Tips for Annapolis Winters
Insulating your pipes is one of the most effective ways to keep them from freezing. Here are some simple and affordable ways to protect your plumbing system this winter:
1. Use Foam Pipe Insulation
Pre-slit foam tubing is easy to install and works well on pipes in basements, garages, and under sinks. Just measure your pipes, cut the foam to size, and secure it with tape or zip ties.
2. Wrap Pipes with Heat Tape
For pipes that are particularly vulnerable, heat tape or heat cables provide an added layer of protection. These electrically powered wraps keep pipes warm and prevent freezing, even in sub-zero temperatures.
3. Insulate Crawl Spaces and Attics
Cold air can easily enter unsealed areas of your home and impact nearby pipes. Seal gaps and use insulation to keep these spaces warmer during the winter months.
4. Keep Cabinet Doors Open
In cold weather, open cabinet doors under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms. This allows warm air from your home to circulate around exposed pipes.
5. Let Faucets Drip During Deep Freezes
Running water—even at a trickle—can prevent pipes from freezing. During extreme cold, keep a small stream of water flowing from faucets connected to pipes most at risk.
These pipe insulation tips for Annapolis winters are simple, cost-effective, and proven to help reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
Additional Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Maryland Homes
Beyond insulation, here are a few more preventative steps Maryland homeowners should consider:
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the first freeze
- Shut off and drain irrigation systems
- Seal cracks and openings near pipes that run through exterior walls
- Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even if you’re away from home
If you’ll be traveling during the winter, set your thermostat to no lower than 55°F and consider shutting off the main water supply just in case.
How Heidler Plumbing Can Help
At Heidler Plumbing, we offer professional winterization services and pipe inspections to help homeowners avoid emergency plumbing issues. If you’re unsure whether your pipes are protected—or if you’ve already experienced a frozen pipe—we’re here to help with fast, reliable service.
We’ll assess your plumbing system, provide expert insulation recommendations, and make sure your home is prepared for whatever Maryland’s winter has in store.
Get Ahead of the Freeze—Call Heidler Plumbing Today
Don’t wait until a pipe bursts to take action. Contact Heidler Plumbing at 410-694-7474 to schedule a winter prep inspection or learn more about pipe insulation and how to prevent frozen pipes in Maryland homes.
We’ll help you stay warm, dry, and worry-free all winter long.
