A frozen pipe is one of winter’s most expensive surprises. When water freezes it expands, and the pressure can split a pipe wide open — often flooding a home the moment it thaws. A few inexpensive precautions go a long way.
Know Which Pipes Are at Risk
The most vulnerable pipes run through unheated spaces: basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls. Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines are also common freeze points.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Foam pipe insulation sleeves are cheap and easy to install. Wrap any exposed pipes in unheated areas. For extreme climates, heat tape or heat cable adds another layer of protection.
Let Faucets Drip
During a hard freeze, allowing a trickle of water to run through vulnerable faucets relieves pressure in the system. Moving water is far less likely to freeze, and the slight waste is cheaper than a burst pipe.
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Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so household heat reaches the pipes. Maintain a consistent thermostat setting day and night — do not lower it dramatically while you sleep during a cold snap.
Prep Before You Travel
If you leave for winter vacation, keep the heat set no lower than 55°F. For longer absences, consider shutting off the main water supply and draining the pipes.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Before the first freeze, disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off the valves feeding outdoor spigots, and drain those lines. Water left in a connected hose can freeze back into the wall.
What to Do if a Pipe Freezes
If a faucet produces only a trickle, a pipe may be frozen. Keep the faucet open, apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or warm towels — never an open flame — and work from the faucet toward the blockage. If you cannot locate the frozen section or a pipe has already burst, shut off the main and call a plumber immediately.
