Prepare for Cold Weather: Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips

‍Every year, as Michigan temperatures plummet, thousands of mobile homeowners face the same nightmare—frozen pipes. What begins with a little frost can quickly escalate into a full-blown emergency: burst pipes, water damage, sky-high repair bills, and days without running water. And in mobile homes, the risk is even greater.

Unlike traditional homes, mobile and manufactured homes have plumbing systems that are more exposed to the elements, often running through crawlspaces, underbellies, or thinner exterior walls with minimal insulation. This makes them highly susceptible to freezing, especially when temperatures dip below 32°F for an extended period—which, in Michigan, can happen as early as October.

The worst part? Frozen pipes don’t just block water flow—they expand, crack, and burst under pressure, often flooding your floors, soaking insulation, and creating costly structural issues. What could’ve been prevented with simple fall prep can quickly spiral into a major, avoidable disaster.

Early Fall Maintenance Checklist: Prevent Problems Before the Freeze

Inspect & Repair Skirting

Your skirting does more than enhance curb appeal—it acts as a thermal barrier that shields your under-home plumbing from direct exposure to cold air. If it’s damaged or incomplete, even a mild cold snap can cause the temperature under your mobile home to drop fast.

Here’s what to check:

• Is all the skirting intact and properly sealed? Look for gaps, cracks, or areas where panels have pulled away.
• Are there signs of animal intrusion? Raccoons, opossums, or rodents often chew or claw through skirting, leaving openings that let in cold wind.
• Replace cracked or missing panels, especially in corners or around utility penetrations.
• As temperatures drop, be sure to close any access panels or ventilation openings in the skirting. These are helpful in the summer for airflow—but can be harmful in the winter when left open.

Pro tip: Insulated or solid-core skirting provides even better cold-weather protection and can reduce your heating costs, too.

Check for Existing Pipe Leaks or Damage

Even minor plumbing issues can become major liabilities once temperatures fall below freezing. Leaky pipes are more prone to freezing because they already have structural weaknesses—and once frozen, they're harder to locate and fix.

What to inspect:

• Look under sinks, behind appliances, and under your home for moisture, corrosion, or mineral buildup.
• Check exposed water lines for pinholes, cracks, or signs of previous freeze damage (like bulging or warped pipe sections).
• Run water through every faucet and listen for unusual hissing or dripping noises that might indicate a hidden leak.

Addressing these issues now, while temps are still above freezing, allows for easier repairs and prevents a plumbing emergency later. Even a small repair today can save you thousands in water damage tomorrow.

Pipe Insulation: Your First Line of Defense

What Materials Should You Use?

Here are the most common and effective options for mobile home pipe insulation:

• Foam Pipe Sleeves: Pre-slit, flexible foam tubes that slip over the pipe for basic insulation.
• Fiberglass Pipe Wrap: Ideal for irregular shapes and elbows; it offers excellent thermal protection.
• Electrical Heat Tape: A temperature-controlled tape that wraps around pipes and uses low-voltage heat to keep them from freezing.

Each of these materials serves a purpose. Foam and fiberglass are great for general use, while heat tape is best for pipes at high risk of freezing (like those in crawlspaces or exterior walls).

Where to Prioritize Insulation

Some areas in mobile homes are far more vulnerable than others. Be sure to insulate:

• Exposed water supply lines underneath the home
• Pipes near exterior walls, especially those that get little sun
• Plumbing in unheated areas, like crawlspaces or under sinks in poorly insulated bathrooms
• Any pipe that froze in previous years—those zones are repeat offenders unless properly addressed

Don’t forget connections and fittings. These spots are often overlooked but are also prone to heat loss.

How to Install Pipe Insulation

Proper installation is key—poorly applied insulation won’t help when temps hit the single digits.

1. Clean and dry the pipe before applying any insulation. Moisture under wrap can lead to corrosion.
2. Wrap the insulation tightly—whether it’s a foam sleeve or fiberglass, you want as little air gap as possible.
3. Seal joints and ends with waterproof tape to hold everything in place and lock out moisture.
4. If using heat tape, make sure it’s UL-listed, rated for outdoor or mobile home use, and properly grounded. Never overlap heat tape on itself—it can overheat.
5. Plug heat tape into a GFCI-protected outlet and test to ensure it’s working.

Bonus Tip: Once wrapped, consider adding a layer of skirting insulation or foam board to the surrounding area for even more protection.

Protect the Underbelly: Seal, Insulate, and Maintain Access

Why the Underbelly Matters for Pipe Protection

The “underbelly” refers to the area underneath your mobile home, typically enclosed by a belly board or vapor barrier. This barrier helps hold insulation in place and keeps moisture and cold air away from vital plumbing lines. When that protective layer is compromised—whether by rodents, weather damage, or age—your pipes become exposed and far more susceptible to freezing.

Inspection Checklist for Fall

Here’s what to inspect before the first freeze:

• Belly Board Condition: Look for sagging, tears, holes, or sections where the vapor barrier has fallen away.
• Moisture or Mold: Any signs of water damage, condensation, or mildew indicate the barrier isn’t doing its job.
• Animal Damage: Rodents and raccoons can tear through insulation and build nests inside, damaging pipes along the way.
• Insulation Coverage: Make sure the fiberglass or foam insulation between the subfloor and belly board is intact and evenly distributed.
• Access Panels: Ensure crawlspace or underbelly access doors are properly sealed and secured to keep out drafts.

Upgrade & Repair Options

When the underbelly is compromised, repairs aren’t optional—they’re urgent. Consider:

• Spray Foam Insulation: Ideal for filling small gaps and hard-to-reach corners, while adding a water-resistant seal.
• Rigid Foam Board: Durable and great for large areas, especially in high-exposure regions beneath the home.
• New Vapor Barrier: A reinforced belly board replacement can restore thermal protection and keep your plumbing secure.
• Animal Damage Repairs: If you’ve had critters under your home, this is the time to repair insulation and block reentry.

Shut-Offs and Drains: Fall Prep for Seasonal Systems

Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is—And Test It

Every homeowner should know the location of their main water shut-off valve, and for mobile and manufactured homes, this is especially crucial. It’s typically located:

• Near the water heater
• Under the home along the main water line
• Inside a utility closet or cabinet

Test it in early fall—make sure it turns easily and fully shuts off the water supply. If it’s corroded, leaking, or frozen in place, have it repaired or replaced before winter arrives.

Drain Exterior Faucets and Hose Bibs

Outdoor faucets and hoses are some of the first places that freeze, and frozen water left inside can quickly expand and crack the pipe or spigot.

Steps to winterize hose bibs:

1. Turn off the interior shut-off valve (if available) that supplies the outdoor spigot.
2. Open the faucet outside to drain any remaining water.
3. Disconnect and store hoses.
4. Consider using an insulated faucet cover for added protection.

If your mobile home doesn't have frost-proof spigots, this step is non-negotiable.

Leaving the Home Unoccupied in Winter? Take Extra Steps

If you’re a seasonal resident or planning to leave your home unoccupied for part of the winter, take these additional precautions:

• Drain the plumbing system completely using the main shut-off and a blow-out plug or compressor (best done by a professional).
• Add RV-safe antifreeze to all drains, toilets, and P-traps. This prevents residual water from freezing and cracking your plumbing.
• Leave the furnace running at a minimum setting (usually 55°F) to prevent interior freezing. If this isn't possible, use safe auxiliary heat sources with proper monitoring.
• Seal vents, crawlspace doors, and check under the home one final time to ensure animals and cold air are locked out.

Stay Warm, Stay Dry, Stay Prepared

Frozen pipes are one of the costliest and most disruptive cold weather emergencies for mobile homeowners—but the good news is, they’re almost entirely preventable. With a little proactive effort and the right professional support, you can enjoy a warm, stress-free winter knowing your plumbing is protected from freezing temperatures.

Fall is the ideal window to prep your home—before the first freeze catches you off guard.

At Homesaver Contracting Company, we specialize in helping Michigan mobile and manufactured homeowners prevent frozen pipes, repair underbelly damage, and insulate plumbing for cold-weather success. Whether you need a full winterization service or help with animal-damaged skirting and insulation, our team is ready to deliver dependable, expert care.

Call Homesaver Contracting Company Today:

Phone: (586) 610-8608
Address: 680 Quatro Lane, Addison Township, MI 48367
Email: homesavercontractingco@gmail.com
Website: www.homesaverremodeling.com

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