Posted: January 26, 2026
Winter settles in fast across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut, and while cold weather brings plenty to enjoy, it can mean a few household headaches too.
One of the most common winter plumbing problems homeowners face is frozen pipes. While the experienced team at FSi Propane is always ready to respond to plumbing emergencies, preventing frozen or burst pipes in the first place can save you stress, repairs, and unexpected expenses. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your plumbing protected all season long.
During extended periods of cold weather, water inside your plumbing can freeze, especially in pipes located in exterior walls or unheated areas. Basements, attics, crawl spaces, garages and under-sink cabinets are all common trouble spots.
When water freezes, it expands by about 9 percent. That expansion creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause cracks or complete bursts. The aftermath often includes water damage, ruined flooring or drywall, electrical issues and even mold or mildew — all problems best avoided.
Fortunately, frozen pipes are usually preventable with a few simple precautions.
Turning your heat completely off to save money while traveling can backfire during a cold snap. Without heat, indoor temperatures can drop low enough for pipes to freeze quickly.
Instead, set your thermostat to 60 degrees while you’re away. That temperature is typically enough to protect your plumbing while still saving you money on energy. Before leaving, make sure your propane supply is adequate so your heating system can run without interruption.
Seal drafts and air leaks near plumbing with insulation or caulking to keep cold air out. Any exposed pipes should be wrapped with foam insulation or heat tape for extra protection.
It also helps to open cabinet doors beneath sinks so warm air can circulate around the pipes, especially during very cold weather.
Standing water is more likely to freeze. To prevent this, shut off and drain water from exterior hose bibs before winter arrives. If you’re away during extreme cold, allow a small trickle of water from faucets to keep water moving.
Even with the best precautions, plumbing problems can still happen. If they do, FSi Propane is ready to help. Our dedicated and responsive plumbing team is on call to repair issues quickly and prevent water damage in your home.
FSi provides full-service plumbing installations throughout Western Mass and Northern Connecticut. From piping and fixtures to water treatment systems and kitchen or bathroom appliances, we deliver quality work and stand behind every estimate.
We also handle a wide range of plumbing repairs, including dripping faucets, clogged drains, leaking pipes, sump pump replacements and more. No matter the issue, our technicians are prepared to get your system back in working order.
If you’re dealing with a plumbing concern — or want help preventing one — contact FSi Propane today. We’re here to keep your home safe, comfortable, and protected all winter long.
