How to prevent frozen pipes
Insulate pipes in unheated spaces (garage, crawl space, attic, basement), shut off and drain outdoor faucets and hoses, and seal drafts near pipes. On the coldest nights, let a faucet on an exposed line drip, open the sink cabinet doors, and keep the thermostat steady day and night. If you leave, keep the heat at 55°F or higher.
Never miss this one. Get UpNext free and it reminds you when this is due. Just moved in? Start with the first-year homeowner checklist.
Put it on your calendar. Add to calendar (.ics, repeats every year). Move the date to just before your first freeze. Want reminders and a record of what you did? Get UpNext free.
How to prevent frozen pipes
Checklist
- Disconnect hoses; shut off and drain outdoor faucetsBefore the first freeze
- Drain or blow out the sprinkler systemBefore the first freeze
- Insulate pipes in the garage, crawl space, attic and basementFall
- Seal drafts where pipes, wires and dryer vents go through wallsFall
- Find the main water shut-off and make sure it turnsFall, before you need it
- Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through itCold snaps
- Open sink cabinet doors on outside wallsCold snaps
- Let a faucet on an exposed line drip (cold water)Nights well below freezing
- Keep the heat at 55°F or higher when awayAny winter trip
Get reminders for these automatically: upnextmaint.com/get
Which pipes freeze
Pipes freeze where cold air reaches them: unheated garages, crawl spaces, attics, basements, and cabinets on outside walls. Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines are the most common. Water expands as it freezes, and the pressure can split the pipe, often away from the frozen spot. That is why a burst pipe sometimes only shows up when it thaws.
If a pipe is already frozen
A faucet that gives only a trickle in cold weather probably has a frozen pipe. Keep the faucet open and warm the pipe gently: a hair dryer, a heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water. The American Red Cross says never use an open flame, such as a torch, a kerosene or propane heater, or a charcoal stove. If you cannot find or reach the frozen section, call a plumber.
If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve right away, then turn off power to any area where water reached outlets or appliances.
What you'll need
- Foam pipe insulationFor exposed pipes in garages and crawl spaces
- Insulated outdoor faucet coversCheap protection for every hose bib
- Pipe heat cableFor a line that freezes every year
As an Amazon Associate, UpNext earns from qualifying purchases. Links go to Amazon search results so you can pick the size and brand that fits.
Questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Water freezes at 32°F, but pipes inside the house are usually at risk only when it stays well below freezing for hours, especially in unheated spaces or on outside walls. Exposed outdoor pipes can freeze at the first hard freeze.
Should I drip faucets to keep pipes from freezing?
On very cold nights, yes, for faucets fed by exposed pipes. A slow drip of cold water keeps water moving and relieves pressure. The American Red Cross recommends it.
What temperature should I leave my house at in winter when away?
No lower than 55°F, according to the American Red Cross. Keep cabinet doors on outside walls open too.
Sources
Related guides
General guidance for typical homes. Follow your equipment manufacturer's instructions and local codes, and hire a pro for anything you're not comfortable doing.