Frost warning: Homeowners urged to drain outdoor water pipes

As temperatures drop toward freezing, experts are warning homeowners to winterize outdoor water pipes to prevent costly damage. Freezing water expands, which can burst pipes in unheated areas such as garages, basements, and outdoor walls. A significant issue is that damage often remains undetected until the ice thaws and water begins to leak.

The German Insurance Association (GDV) reports that approximately 25,000 insured frost-related pipe damage cases occur annually, resulting in costs of roughly 140 million euros. To mitigate these risks, the GDV recommends shutting off water to outdoor lines and draining them completely. Simply turning off the faucet is insufficient if water remains trapped in the connecting pipes.

Preventative measures include removing garden hoses for frost-free storage and decommissioning automatic irrigation systems. Some specialized frost-proof outdoor fittings are designed to drain themselves automatically after use to reduce the risk of breakage.