How to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter

When water freezes, it expands. Inside a pipe, that pressure can crack metal or plastic and cause a burst, often right when the weather is at its worst. A few simple habits before and during a cold snap can help prevent a mess and a costly repair.

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk

The American Red Cross points to pipes that are exposed to cold air or sit in unheated spaces:

Outdoor hose spigots, sprinkler lines and pool supply lines
Pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages
Pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks
Pipes that run along outside walls with little insulation

Before the Cold Weather Arrives

Disconnect garden hoses and store them.
Close the indoor valve that feeds each outdoor spigot, then open the outdoor spigot so the water can drain. Leave the outdoor spigot open.
Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces if you can.
Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe sleeves, or with UL-listed heat tape or heat cable.
Find your home’s main water shut-off valve now, so you or a helper can turn it off quickly if a pipe ever leaks.

During a Cold Snap

Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through the garage.
Open the cabinet doors under sinks so warm room air can reach the pipes. Move cleaning products out of reach if grandchildren or pets visit.
On very cold nights, let a thin trickle of cold water run from faucets on exposed pipes.
Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. The Red Cross notes that a slightly higher heating bill costs far less than repairing a burst pipe.
If you travel, leave the heat set no lower than 55°F.

If You Think a Pipe Is Frozen

A faucet that gives only a trickle is a common sign. Keep that faucet open so water can flow as the ice melts. Then gently warm the pipe with an electric heating pad, a hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water. Keep going until full water pressure returns, and check your other faucets too.

Safety note: never use a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heater, or any open flame to thaw a pipe. Keep electrical appliances away from standing water. If you can’t find or reach the frozen spot, or you would rather not crawl into tight spaces, call a licensed plumber.