When winter temperatures plunge, frozen pipes become one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face. A frozen pipe can burst without warning, leading to water damage, expensive repairs, and unnecessary stress. The good news is that a few simple preventative steps can significantly reduce your risk. Here are practical, homeowner-friendly tips to help protect your plumbing during a cold snap.
Even if you are away from home or sleeping overnight, it is important to keep the heat on. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature ensures that pipes in walls, basements, or crawl spaces do not freeze, and helps warm air reach vulnerable plumbing.
Pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially those on exterior walls, are more exposed to cold air, so opening cabinet doors can allow warm indoor air to circulate around the plumbing and help prevent freezing.
During extreme cold, letting faucets drip slowly can make a big difference. Moving water is less likely to freeze, and relieving pressure in the system can reduce the risk of pipes bursting if freezing does occur.
Pipes located in basements, crawl spaces, garages, or along exterior walls are especially vulnerable. Insulating exposed pipes with pipe insulation or heat tape provides an extra layer of protection and can be a smart investment before temperatures drop.
Cold drafts can quickly lower the temperature around pipes, so it is important to seal cold air leaks. Using caulk or insulation to seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the home helps keep cold air out and warm air in.
Outdoor faucets are a common source of winter plumbing problems. Disconnecting and draining garden hoses, and shutting off and draining interior valves that supply exterior spigots, can help protect plumbing lines from freezing.
If you have an attached garage, keeping garage doors closed during cold weather is another precaution. Plumbing lines often run through garages or shared walls, and keeping the space warmer can help prevent freezing.
