How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Frozen pipes are among the most preventable and most expensive plumbing emergencies homeowners face. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands. That expansion creates enough pressure to crack or burst the pipe, and the real damage happens when the pipe thaws and water floods into your walls, floors, and ceilings.

The good news: a few hours of preparation before the first hard freeze can protect your entire plumbing system.

Know Which Pipes Are at Risk

Not all pipes freeze equally. The most vulnerable are those in unheated or poorly insulated spaces: exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, attics, and under sinks on outside walls. Pipes near windows and doors are also higher risk. Walk through your home and identify where your pipes run - the ones in cold spaces are your priority.

Insulate Before It Gets Cold

Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. You cut it to length and snap it around the pipe, no tools required. For pipes in especially cold areas, consider heat tape (also called heat cable), which plugs into an outlet and provides consistent low-level warmth along the pipe.

Don't forget outdoor hose bibs. Disconnect garden hoses, shut off the indoor supply valve that feeds your outdoor faucets, and install insulated bib covers. Leaving a hose connected traps water in the line even with the bib shut off.

When Temperatures Drop Hard

When the forecast calls for temperatures below 20°F, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm household air circulate around the pipes. Let a thin trickle of water run from the faucet farthest from your main shutoff - moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water.

If you're leaving town in winter, don't set the thermostat below 55°F. The few dollars you save on heating are not worth the thousands it costs when a pipe bursts while you're away.

If a Pipe Does Freeze

Turn off the main water supply immediately, before you try to thaw anything. If a pipe is already frozen, it may already be cracked, and you don't want full water pressure behind it when it thaws. Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or heating pad, working from the faucet end toward the freeze. Never use an open flame.

If you can't locate the freeze, or if the pipe is in a wall or ceiling, call a plumber. Professionals have tools to locate and safely thaw frozen pipes without causing further damage.