Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Threat
When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands — and that expansion creates enormous pressure. The result can be a burst pipe that releases gallons of water into your walls, floors, and ceilings within minutes. The damage from a single burst pipe can run into thousands of dollars in repairs. The encouraging part: frozen pipes are almost entirely preventable with the right preparation.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?
Not all pipes are equally vulnerable. The ones most likely to freeze are:
- Pipes in exterior walls with little insulation
- Pipes in unheated spaces: crawl spaces, attics, garages, and basements
- Pipes running along the outside of the house
- Supply lines to outdoor hose bibs
- Pipes in cabinets on exterior walls (like under the kitchen sink)
Before Winter Arrives: Preparation Steps
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and widely available at hardware stores. It fits around most standard pipe diameters and significantly slows heat loss. For extra protection in very cold climates, consider fiberglass pipe wrap or self-sealing foam. Pay special attention to pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and garages.
2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Remove garden hoses from outdoor spigots before the first freeze. Water trapped in a connected hose can back-freeze into the supply pipe inside your wall. If your home has frost-free hose bibs, they still require disconnecting the hose to function properly.
3. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Water Lines
Locate the shutoff valve for exterior hose bibs (often inside the basement or crawl space), close it, then open the outdoor spigot to drain any remaining water from the line.
4. Seal Air Leaks Near Pipes
Cold drafts can freeze pipes even when indoor temperatures are above freezing. Use caulk or foam spray to seal gaps around pipes where they pass through walls, floors, and ceilings — especially where they enter from outside.
5. Add Heat to Vulnerable Spaces
If you have pipes in an unheated garage, consider installing a basic space heater or pipe heating cable (also called heat tape). Thermostatically controlled heat cables automatically switch on when temperatures approach freezing and are a reliable solution for hard-to-insulate areas.
During a Cold Snap: Active Prevention
Keep the Thermostat Consistent
Resist the urge to drop the thermostat significantly at night. Keep indoor temperatures at a minimum of 55°F (13°C) — even if you're away. The cost of a slightly higher heating bill is far less than the cost of a burst pipe.
Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
On especially cold nights, open the doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks located on exterior walls. This allows warm indoor air to circulate around the pipes.
Let Faucets Drip Slightly
A slight drip from faucets fed by vulnerable pipes keeps water moving. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. This is a simple, low-cost precaution during extreme cold spells.
If You're Away for an Extended Period
If you'll be away during winter, don't simply turn off the heat. Instead:
- Set the thermostat to at least 55°F.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to check on the home regularly.
- Consider shutting off the main water supply and draining all pipes if the home will be unoccupied for weeks.
- Have a smart home thermostat or water leak detector that alerts you remotely.
Know Where Your Main Shutoff Is
Even the best prevention can fail in extreme conditions. Make sure every adult in your household knows where the main water shutoff valve is and how to use it. In a burst pipe emergency, shutting off the water supply quickly makes the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.
Summary
A little preparation before cold weather arrives goes a long way. Insulate your pipes, eliminate drafts, keep your home heated, and know your shutoff valve location. These steps protect your plumbing, your home, and your wallet all winter long.