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Holiday travel is exciting—but for Ann Arbor homeowners, leaving during winter also raises an important question: how do you prevent frozen pipes while away? Cold temperatures, unattended plumbing, and older home construction make frozen pipes one of the most common holiday-related emergencies we see at PuroClean of Ann Arbor.
When pipes freeze and burst, water damage can occur long before anyone notices—especially if you’re out of town. That’s why having a clear, proactive plan to prevent frozen pipes while away during the holidays is essential.
This guide walks you through a proven holiday travel checklist designed specifically for Ann Arbor winters, helping you protect your pipes, avoid water damage, and travel with peace of mind.
Why It’s Critical to Prevent Frozen Pipes While Away in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor winters regularly bring extended periods of freezing temperatures. Homes with basements, crawl spaces, exterior plumbing walls, or older insulation are particularly vulnerable. If your heat fluctuates or water sits stagnant in pipes, freezing can happen fast.
For a deeper look at the local risks, read our related article: Why Ann Arbor Homes Are Especially Vulnerable to Frozen Pipes
When homeowners don’t take steps to prevent frozen pipes while away, a single burst pipe can result in extensive flooding, structural damage, and mold growth—often requiring professional water damage restoration.
Holiday Travel Checklist to Prevent Frozen Pipes While Away
1. Set Your Thermostat Correctly Before Leaving
One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes while away is maintaining consistent indoor heat.
Best thermostat practices:
- Set your thermostat to no lower than 55°F
- Avoid shutting off heat completely—even for short trips
- Keep basement and plumbing-adjacent areas warm
- Use a smart thermostat to monitor temperatures remotely
Maintaining steady heat helps ensure pipes stay above freezing, even during overnight temperature drops.
2. Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
If you’ll be gone for several days, turning off your water supply is one of the strongest ways to prevent frozen pipes while away from home.
Steps to follow:
- Locate your main water shut-off valve
- Turn it fully off before leaving
- Open faucets to drain remaining water from pipes
Even if a pipe freezes and bursts, shutting off the water dramatically limits the potential damage.
3. Insulate Pipes in Vulnerable Areas
Proper insulation is essential to prevent frozen pipes while away, especially in:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Garages
- Exterior-facing walls
- Under sinks
Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape on exposed plumbing. This small investment can prevent major holiday water damage.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulating pipes also improves energy efficiency and reduces heat loss in winter.
4. Seal Drafts That Can Freeze Pipes
Cold drafts significantly increase the risk of frozen pipes. Before traveling, inspect and seal:
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Crawl space vents
- Areas where pipes enter exterior walls
Blocking cold air intrusion helps stabilize indoor temperatures and further helps prevent frozen pipes while away.
5. Ask Someone to Check on Your Home
Having a trusted neighbor or friend check in can make all the difference if something goes wrong.
Ask them to:
- Confirm the heat is on
- Look for signs of leaks or ice
- Run water briefly at sinks if possible
This added layer of protection strengthens your plan to prevent frozen pipes while away during holiday travel.
Emergency Planning: Be Ready If Prevention Fails
Even when you take every precaution to prevent frozen pipes while away, emergencies can still happen. Being prepared ensures faster response and less damage.
Know the Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes
- No water or reduced flow from faucets
- Frost buildup on visible pipes
- Strange odors from drains
If you return home to water damage, immediate action is crucial.
Have a Water Damage Restoration Plan
Burst pipes often require professional cleanup to prevent mold and structural damage. PuroClean of Ann Arbor specializes in fast, reliable water damage restoration services.
Learn more here: Flood Damage Restoration Near Me – Ann Arbor
Having a restoration provider identified before you travel is an important part of planning to prevent frozen pipe disasters from becoming long-term problems.
FAQs: How to Prevent Frozen Pipes While Away
How do I prevent frozen pipes while away for the holidays?
Set your thermostat above 55°F, shut off your water if possible, insulate exposed pipes, seal drafts, and have someone check your home periodically.
Is turning off the water necessary to prevent frozen pipes while away?
It’s not required for short trips, but it’s highly recommended for extended travel, especially during severe cold spells.
Can pipes freeze even if the heat is on?
Yes. Poor insulation, drafts, and extreme cold can still cause freezing, which is why layered prevention is best.
What temperature prevents frozen pipes while away?
Maintaining indoor temperatures at or above 55°F helps prevent frozen pipes in most homes.
Does insurance cover damage if I didn’t prevent frozen pipes while away?
Coverage often depends on whether reasonable preventive steps were taken. Always check your policy details.
Final Thoughts: Travel Confidently This Holiday Season
Holiday travel should be stress-free—not overshadowed by fears of frozen pipes and water damage. Taking the right steps to prevent frozen pipes while away can save you from costly repairs and emergency restoration.
By following this Ann Arbor–specific holiday checklist, you’re protecting your home, your investment, and your peace of mind. And if frozen pipes do lead to damage, PuroClean of Ann Arbor is available 24/7 to help you recover quickly and safely.
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