Omaha winters are no joke, and frozen pipes are one of the biggest headaches for homeowners. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, which can cause pipes to burst—and lead to major water damage. Here’s how to prevent frozen pipes (and a costly repair bill)!
1. Keep Faucets Dripping (Just a Little!)
When temperatures drop below 20°F, let your faucets drip slightly—especially those on exterior walls. This keeps water moving and reduces the risk of freezing.
2. Open Cabinet Doors 
For sinks along exterior walls, open the cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around the pipes. This helps prevent them from freezing.
3. Insulate Your Pipes 
Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and basements are at the highest risk of freezing. Protect them with:
Pipe insulation foam- Heat tape or heat cables
- Old towels or blankets (in a pinch!)
Pipe insulation foam4. Keep Your Home at a Consistent Temperature
Even if you’re out of town, don’t set your thermostat lower than 55°F—this keeps your pipes warm enough to prevent freezing.
5. Shut Off & Drain Outdoor Faucets
Before winter hits:
- Disconnect garden hoses
- Shut off outdoor water supply lines
- Drain all exterior faucets
Disconnect garden hosesWhat to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
- 1️⃣ Turn off your home’s water supply.
- 2️⃣ Open faucets to relieve pressure.
- 3️⃣ Use a hairdryer or heating pad to warm frozen pipes. (Never use an open flame!)
- 4️⃣ Call a plumber immediately if pipes burst or you can’t thaw them.
Need help with frozen pipes in Omaha? Call Big Birge Plumbing at 402-575-0102 before small problems become BIG ones!
