Fall plumbing maintenance can help prevent frozen pipes this winter

Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air shares tips to help Northern Virginia homeowners reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes

STERLING, Va., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air, a trusted home service provider based in Northern Virginia, is encouraging homeowners to think ahead and prepare their plumbing for winter by taking measures that will help protect pipes when temperatures drop.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), burst pipes are the most common cause of property damage due to winter weather conditions. Pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements and attics are most vulnerable to freezing. Pipes that run along an outside wall also get additional exposure to cold weather.

"In Northern Virginia, our winter weather often includes wide temperature swings that can be especially stressful on plumbing fixtures," said Daniel Fuentes, co-founder of Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air. "A tiny pipe fracture that may be unnoticeable during warmer weather can become a big problem if pipes freeze because water expands when it turns to ice, putting extra pressure on any pipe weakness."

Fuentes recommends that homeowners follow these preventative steps now to help prepare pipes for winter:

• Insulate exposed pipes. In unheated indoor areas, fit foam insulation tubes around clean, exposed pipes to help prevent freezing.
• Seal cracks near plumbing. Look for any gaps that may allow cold air to reach water lines and seal them.
• Check pipes that have frozen before. If particular pipes have frozen in the past, check to make sure previous issues have been addressed.
• Schedule preventive plumbing maintenance. Professional inspections using advanced detection tools can uncover potential issues and allow repairs to be scheduled before problems arise.

"Homeowners can take several simple steps to protect pipes once cold weather arrives, but the most effective preventive measure is having a routine pre-winter plumbing inspection," said Fuentes. "A plumbing professional can identify vulnerabilities and complete repairs before a pipe fails, potentially saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars in costly, inconvenient repairs."

For more information on Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air, call (703) 783-4099 or visit www.cardinalplumbingva.com.

About Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air

Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air is a residential service company proudly assisting homeowners in Northern Virginia. For more than a decade, the company has been a trusted provider for plumbing installation and maintenance, as well as a full spectrum of heating and cooling services. Founded by a team of seasoned plumbers, Cardinal is known for high standards of quality and a robust commitment to homeowner satisfaction. Additional information about Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air can be found at www.cardinalplumbingva.com.

SOURCE Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air