As winter approaches and temperatures drop, one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face is frozen pipes. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, which can cause the pipe to burst—leading to water damage, expensive repairs, and plenty of stress. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures that can significantly reduce the risk of this happening.
We’ll break down the key steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing during cold weather and keep your home safe, warm, and dry all winter long.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
Before diving into the preventative steps, it’s helpful to understand why pipes freeze in the first place. When temperatures fall below 32°F (0°C), water inside pipes can begin to freeze. As water turns to ice, it expands in volume. If the pressure builds up enough, it can cause the pipe to crack or burst, often without warning.
Pipes most at risk include:
- Outdoor hose bibs
- Pipes in unheated basements, garages, attics, or crawl spaces
- Pipes that run along exterior walls with little insulation
- Kitchen or bathroom pipes located under sinks near exterior walls
Now, let’s explore how to prevent these frozen pipe disasters before they happen.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
One of the best long-term solutions to prevent frozen pipes is proper insulation. Use foam pipe insulation sleeves or wrap insulation tape around exposed pipes in cold-prone areas. This is especially important for pipes located in unheated areas like garages, basements, or crawl spaces.
Insulating hot and cold water pipes not only helps prevent freezing but can also reduce heat loss, which can lower your energy bills over time.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can enter your home through tiny gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes enter walls or floors. These drafts can cause nearby pipes to freeze more quickly. Use caulking or spray foam insulation to seal these openings. Pay particular attention to areas around vents, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
By keeping the cold air out and the warm air in, you’re not only helping your pipes but also improving your home’s overall energy efficiency.
3. Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature
During extreme cold snaps, it’s important to maintain a steady indoor temperature—even at night. Many people lower the thermostat when they sleep or leave for work, but this can lead to dangerously low temperatures in certain parts of the house.
Aim to keep your home at a minimum of 55°F (13°C) at all times. Even if you’re going on vacation, avoid turning the heat off entirely. Keep it running at a consistent temperature to prevent freezing
4. Let Faucets Drip Slightly
While it might seem counterintuitive, allowing a faucet to drip can actually prevent pipe freezing. Letting cold water drip from the faucet—especially those connected to pipes that run through unheated areas—relieves pressure in the system.
If a pipe does freeze, it’s often the pressure that causes it to burst, not the ice itself. A slow trickle of water can keep that pressure from building up to dangerous levels.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
In kitchens and bathrooms, pipes are often hidden behind cabinet doors under sinks. These enclosed spaces can get quite cold, especially if they are near exterior walls. By opening cabinet doors, you allow warm air from the rest of your house to circulate around the pipes.
This is a simple and effective way to help prevent freezing, particularly on very cold nights.
6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
One of the most overlooked sources of frozen pipe problems is outdoor water hoses. If left connected, water inside the hose can freeze and back up into the faucet and pipe inside your house, causing damage.
Always disconnect garden hoses in the fall and drain them completely. Also, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets (if your home has a separate valve) and drain the faucet by leaving it open.
7. Use Heat Tape or Heat Cables
For pipes that are particularly vulnerable, consider using heat tape or heat cables. These are electric heating elements that wrap around pipes and can be plugged in to provide gentle, consistent warmth.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only use heat tape designed for the specific type of pipe material in your home. These tools are highly effective for pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
8. Install Frost-Free Hose Bibs and Insulated Covers
Upgrading to frost-free hose bibs is a smart preventative measure. These special valves are designed to keep water out of the exposed portion of the pipe, reducing the risk of freezing.
In addition, inexpensive foam faucet covers are available at most hardware stores. These insulated covers can be placed over outdoor spigots to help retain warmth and protect against the cold.
9. Shut Off and Drain Unused Water Lines
If you have parts of your plumbing system that are not in use during the winter—like water lines to a guesthouse, garage sink, or sprinkler system—it’s wise to shut off and drain those lines. This eliminates the chance of water freezing in an unused section of pipe.
Shutting off the water supply and draining the line ensures there’s no water left to freeze, no matter how cold it gets.
10. Know How to Shut Off Your Main Water Valve
Even with all precautions in place, emergencies can still happen. That’s why it’s essential to know where your main water shut-off valve is located and how to operate it. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water supply quickly can minimize damage.
Take time to locate the main valve, label it clearly, and ensure that every member of the household knows how to use it in an emergency.
Conclusion
Preventing pipes from freezing during cold weather involves a combination of preparation, maintenance, and smart habits. By insulating exposed pipes, sealing gaps, maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, and taking simple steps like opening cabinet doors and letting faucets drip, you can dramatically reduce the risk of costly and damaging pipe bursts. For more vulnerable plumbing systems, options like heat tape and frost-proof upgrades offer additional peace of mind. Winterizing your plumbing isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your property, saving money, and avoiding the stress of emergency repairs when temperatures drop. Taking the time to implement these preventative measures before a freeze hits can make all the difference in keeping your home warm and safe through the coldest months of the year.
