Holiday Travel? How to Keep Your Pipes Safe While You’re Away

If you’re heading out of town this Christmas season, Indy Renovation in Indianapolis wants to help you protect your home from frozen pipes before you go. Indiana winters can be harsh, and when a frozen pipe bursts while you’re away, the damage can be extensive. With a few simple steps, you can travel with confidence knowing your plumbing is protected.

Why Frozen Pipes Are More Common During the Holidays

Once temperatures dip below freezing, your plumbing becomes vulnerable, especially in areas like basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. When you’re not home to notice early warning signs, a frozen pipe can burst and cause significant water damage before anyone realizes. The holiday season adds extra risk because homeowners tend to lower the thermostat or leave for several days at a time. Luckily, a little preparation goes a long way.

Keep Your Home Warm Enough

It can be tempting to drop the thermostat to save on heating costs while you travel, but keeping your home too cool increases the likelihood of frozen pipes. Aim to keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees throughout your trip. This steady temperature helps keep the water inside your pipes flowing and prevents cold pockets from forming.

Open Doors and Let a Faucet Drip

Airflow is key to preventing frozen pipes. Before you leave, open the cabinet doors beneath the sinks so warm air can circulate the exposed plumbing. It’s also a good idea to leave interior doors open so heat moves evenly throughout your home, especially in bathrooms and laundry rooms. Letting a faucet drip slightly can also keep water moving and reduce pressure inside the lines.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you have pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, garages, or basements, consider wrapping them with pipe insulation before you travel. This added layer of protection helps keep pipes warm and reduces the chance of freezing. Even quick-install foam sleeves offer meaningful protection during cold snaps.

Let Indy Renovation Help Protect Your Home

A frozen pipe can quickly ruin even the most cheerful holiday season, but with a bit of preparation, you can travel worry-free. If you’re concerned about your plumbing or want expert prevention tips, Indy Renovation is here to help. We can inspect your pipes, recommend winter-ready upgrades, and repair any damage if freezing does occur. Contact us today at (317) 680-7464 to request an estimate and keep your home safe all winter long.