Winterize Pipes In 6 Steps

Zack Klein • December 30, 2020

As we say goodbye to 2020, it is important to remember the following 6 steps to winterize pipes at your home or business. Although you may believe that pipes only burst at the point where water freezes, but pipes actually burst at the point between the freeze and a closed faucet. When pressure builds due to ice blockage, it has nowhere to go but through the pipe walls, which leads to extensive water damage. By winterizing your home or preparing it for the winter season, you are able to stop frozen pipes before they happen and prevent expensive water damage by properly insulating the pipes in your home!

Winterize Pipes

WINTERIZE PIPES IN 6 STEPS:


1. WINTERIZE PIPES: PIPE INSULATION

Pipes are more prone to freezing damage when temperatures drop below 20 degrees. Having insulation is your first line of defense against cold temperatures and frozen pipes. Take it from the pros! Adding thicker layers of insulation around your pipes should put your mind at ease this winter season.

Insulate the pipes in all unheated areas, as they are most likely to freeze. A hardware or plumbing supply store should have all the insulation and tools that you need. Wrap the pipes in insulation tubes made of polyethylene or fiberglass. Measure the diameter of your pipes to make sure you purchase the corrects size of tube. Take extra care when you winterize pipes that have frozen during previous winters or have been repaired in the last 12 months, as these pipes are more prone to damage.


2. WINTERIZE PIPES: FIX EXTERIOR CRACKS AND SEAL CRAWL SPACES

Take notice of all cracks or holes along the outside walls and foundation of your home. Fill these holes and cracks with spray foam insulation and caulking. This can help stop the cold air from coming in contact with your water pipes during freezing temperatures.

Any beam homes with ventilated crawl spaces should be sealed against cold weather. Cover your vents with heavy-duty pieces of cardboard cut to fit the vents, duct taping the cardboard in place. Don’t forget to seal off access to the crawl space. Check for worn or missing insulation around garage and utility doors. Reducing the amount of cold air in the area minimizes your pipes vulnerability to freezing.


3. WINTERIZE PIPES: KEEP A DRIPPING FAUCET

When the temperatures drop below freezing, turn on faucets along the exterior walls to create a small, steady drip. This eliminates pressure that can build between the faucet and an ice blockage. Even if a pipe freezes, it may not burst.


4. WINTERIZE PIPES: OPEN CABINETS

You can stop frozen pipes by introducing more heat. Open all sink-based cabinet doors along exterior walls to allow more heat to reach pipes.


5. WINTERIZE PIPES: KEEP GARAGE DOOR CLOSED

If you keep your garage door closed, it further keeps insulate the rooms adjacent to your garage. Keeping it shut also reduces the risk of any unwanted elements from getting inside, such as debris and nocturnal critters. In addition, it keeps your vehicles safe from car thieves.


6. WINTERIZE PIPES: KEEP THERMOSTAT ABOVE 55 DEGREES

According to U.S. Department of Energy, you can save energy by keeping your thermostat at 68°F while you are awake and lowering it when you are away from home or sleeping. A temperature from 68-72°F is recommended for optimal energy usage. When you are not home or asleep, the suggested thermostat setting is 62-66°F. Once you are your family adjust to the cooler temperatures, adjust the lower temperature by one degree each week. You will save 1-3% on your heating bill for every degree you turn the thermostat down. It may also be useful to invest in a programmable thermostat. In the end, there is no perfect winter interior temperature for every home or business. Each one is unique and has their own needs.


BUSTED PIPES HAPPEN, CALL ON GRS

Sometimes no matter what steps you take to winterize pipes, water damage still happens. If a pipe in your home or business bursts this season, call the team that cares! We’re available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE. For immediate assistance following water damage or another property emergency, call 1-800-349-HELP (4357).


CONTACT US
By Christina Mullins July 22, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country BATON ROUGE, La. – June 16, 2026 – Guarantee Restoration Services (GRS), a leading full-service restoration contractor serving the Gulf Coast since 1974, is proud to announce the implementation of its new National Sales Team. This strategic initiative marks an exciting step forward in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients and partners on a broader scale. The newly established team will be led by Barrett Dick, Director of National Sales, alongside Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing. Together, they have played a pivotal role in growing GRS relationships across multiple industries throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond for over a decade. The team also includes newly hired account executives, David Stern and Chad Catalano. “Over the years, we have seen our partnerships and opportunities continue to grow beyond our traditional footprint,” said Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Guarantee Restoration Services. “Creating a dedicated National Sales Team allows us to strengthen those relationships, support our partners on a larger scale, and continue expanding the reach of the GRS brand, while staying true to the service and responsiveness we are known for.” Dick, who will celebrate 10 years with GRS next month, brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to the role. He holds multiple Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) credentials, including Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), and Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT). After graduating from Louisiana State University, Barrett began his professional career with Marucci Sports before joining Guarantee Restoration Services in July 2016. Just weeks into his time with the company, the historic Great Flood of 2016 impacted Southeastern Louisiana, providing him with firsthand experience managing large-scale losses and coordinating restoration efforts for major school districts and commercial clients. Since then, he has helped cultivate business development efforts throughout Louisiana and nationally, working closely with partners in hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. “Our focus has always been relationship-driven,” said Dick. “We want our clients and partners to know they have a team they can rely on before, during, and after a disaster. This National Sales Team is another way we are investing in those relationships and positioning Guarantee to better serve organizations wherever they need us.” As part of the expansion, GRS hired David Stern as a National Sales Account Executive. Stern brings more than a decade of high-level sales and relationship management experience from the professional sports industry. Prior to joining our team, he served with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organization, where he consistently ranked among the organization’s top sales representatives and generated more than $38 million in multiyear contracts throughout his career. “David’s experience of building relationships, managing high-profile partnerships, and delivering exceptional client service makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” added Klein. “His background and skillset align perfectly with the direction we are heading as a company.” The National Sales Team also includes Chad Catalano, who joined Guarantee Restoration Services in January 2026. Catalano brings nearly two decades of restoration industry experience, with a strong background in sales leadership, project coordination, and relationship development throughout the Southeast and Gulf South regions. Prior to joining GRS, Catalano served as National Sales Manager for ServiceMaster DSI and spent more than 16 years with US Restoration as a Sales and Project Coordinator. Throughout his career, he has built long-standing partnerships while helping clients navigate complex restoration and recovery projects. In addition to his restoration industry experience, Catalano also spent several years as a successful high school baseball coach in the New Orleans area, earning multiple district championships and Coach of the Year honors. His leadership, communication skills, and client-focused approach make him a valuable addition to the growing national team. Guarantee Restoration Services continues to serve clients across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with six locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama. With the implementation of its National Sales Team, GRS is further expanding its ability to support partners across the country through large-loss response, catastrophe recovery, and national account relationships. The company specializes in water, fire, mold, storm, and biohazard restoration, as well as reconstruction and pre-loss planning services. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit www.GuaranteeRestoration.com or call 1-800-349-HELP (4357).
By Erik Seagrave July 15, 2026
Learn how Guarantee Restoration Services provides expert reconstruction services in Mobile, AL after water, fire, storm, and property damage. (
By Christina Mullins July 8, 2026
Behind every successful restoration project is a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping customers recover after disaster strikes. This month, we're introducing Jerome Etienne , a technician at our Baton Rouge office whose hard work and honesty make him a valued member of the Guarantee Restoration Services team. From Forklift Driver to Restoration Technician Jerome is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana , and joined Guarantee Restoration Services in September 2024 . Before beginning his career in restoration, he worked as a forklift driver. Since joining GRS, Jerome has embraced the hands-on nature of restoration work and takes pride in helping prepare properties for the rebuilding process. Finding Satisfaction in Demolition Work. When asked what he enjoys most about working at GRS, Jerome didn't hesitate. He enjoys working on demolition projects, where every job presents a new challenge and plays an important role in restoring a property after damage. Removing damaged materials safely and efficiently helps lay the foundation for the next phase of the restoration process, making demolition one of the most critical steps in recovery. Living the Core Value of Honesty Of GRS's five core values, Honesty is the one that resonates most with Jerome. "I believe people appreciate knowing the truth, especially after their property has been damaged. Being honest, dependable, and transparent helps build trust and shows our customers they can count on us from start to finish." Jerome believes honest communication helps reassure customers during stressful situations while building lasting trust throughout the restoration process. Advice for New Team Members Jerome's advice for anyone starting a career in restoration is straightforward. "Follow what the Lead Tech says. You'll learn everything you need to know." By staying willing to learn and trusting experienced team members, new technicians can quickly build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the field. Outside of Work When he's off the clock, Jerome enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether he's fishing or visiting the gun range, he enjoys activities that allow him to unwind after the work week. A Childhood Dream As a kid, Jerome dreamed of owning a food truck. While his career path eventually led him to restoration, that entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic continue to shine through in everything he does. Thank You, Jerome! We're proud to have Jerome as part of the Guarantee Restoration Services family. His dedication, honesty, and willingness to tackle every challenge help make a difference for both our customers and our team every day. Interested in Joining the GRS Team? At Guarantee Restoration Services, we're always looking for hardworking individuals who share our commitment to excellence, honesty, efficiency, and partnership. If you're interested in building a rewarding career with a team that makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers page to learn more about current opportunities and become part of the GRS family.
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