How Do I Prevent Pipes From Freezing in Winter?
Last updated October 25, 2026
The short answer
Insulate Your Pipes Properly
Pipe insulation sleeves are a fundamental defense against freezing. Focus on plumbing in unheated crawl spaces, attics, and garages. Foam or fiberglass sleeves fit over pipes to reduce heat loss. For added protection in extremely cold areas, consider using thermostatically controlled heat tape, which you wrap around pipes and plug into an outlet to provide gentle warmth.
Check all insulation annually for damage or gaps. Replace any cracked or missing sections before the winter cold sets in. Pay special attention to bends, joints, and valves, as these spots are often left exposed. Proper insulation slows the rate at which pipes lose heat, giving you a crucial buffer during a deep freeze.
Maintain Indoor Heat and Airflow
Keeping your home warm is essential, even when you are away. Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit during cold weather. This helps maintain warmth inside walls where pipes are located. If you have rooms with plumbing on exterior walls, open cabinet doors to allow warm air from the room to circulate around the pipes.
Do not ignore lesser-used areas of your home. Ensure heat registers are open and unobstructed in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. If you plan a winter vacation, never turn the heat off completely. Ask a neighbor or friend to check the temperature inside your home periodically during a cold snap to ensure the heat is working.
- Set your thermostat to 55F or higher during cold spells.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach pipes.
- Keep interior doors open to promote consistent airflow.
- Ensure heat vents are not blocked by furniture or rugs.
- Check that your furnace is serviced and functioning before winter.
- Consider using a smart thermostat to monitor temperature remotely.
Drip Faucets and Drain Outdoor Lines
Letting faucets drip can relieve pressure inside pipes, making a rupture less likely if ice forms. During a hard freeze, open both hot and cold taps slightly to allow a thin, steady stream. Focus on faucets supplied by pipes running through exterior walls or unheated spaces. The moving water is harder to freeze and provides an outlet for pressure.
Outdoor plumbing requires separate action. Before winter, disconnect garden hoses and drain the water from outdoor faucets and sprinkler lines. Install insulated covers on exterior hose bibs. If your home has a separate shutoff valve for outdoor lines, turn it off and drain those pipes completely. This prevents any residual water from freezing and splitting the pipe.
Seal Drafts and Vulnerable Areas
Cold air entering your home accelerates pipe freezing. Inspect the areas where pipes enter your house, such as around dryer vents, electrical wiring, and cable lines. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal any gaps you find. Pay close attention to basement rim joists and crawl space vents, as these are common sources of drafts near plumbing.
Check weather stripping around doors and windows, especially in rooms with water lines. A small draft can significantly chill the wall cavity. In many regions with cold winters, sealing drafts is a valuable step. For pipes in particularly cold spots, adding extra wall insulation can provide a long-term solution.
Know Your Emergency Procedures
Despite precautions, a pipe can still freeze. If a faucet only drips or stops, a frozen pipe is likely. Immediately turn on the faucet and carefully apply warmth to the frozen section using a hairdryer or heating pad. Never use an open flame. Move along the pipe from the faucet toward the frozen area as it thaws.
If a pipe bursts, you must act fast to limit water damage. Immediately turn off the main water shutoff valve for your home. Then, call local water damage pros for emergency water extraction and drying. They can help prevent secondary damage like mold and structural issues. If you plan to file an insurance claim, document the damage with photos. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Know your valve's location before an emergency happens.
- Locate your main water shutoff valve now and ensure it turns easily.
- If a faucet has no flow, suspect a frozen pipe and apply gentle heat.
- If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water supply immediately.
- Move valuables and electronics away from leaking water if safe to do so.
- Take pictures of the damage for your insurance records.
- Contact local water damage pros for water removal and drying.
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Call Now (347) 983-9353Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I keep my house to prevent frozen pipes?
Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit during cold weather, even if you are away. This temperature helps maintain enough warmth inside walls and crawl spaces to protect plumbing from freezing.
What should I do if a pipe freezes?
If a faucet has little or no flow, a pipe is likely frozen. Turn on the faucet and gently warm the pipe with a hairdryer, working from the faucet toward the blockage. Never use a torch or open flame, as this can damage the pipe.
Who should I call for a burst pipe?
First, shut off your main water supply. Then, contact the pros for water extraction and structural drying. They have the equipment to remove water quickly and help prevent mold. You should also contact a plumber for the pipe repair.
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