5 Proactive Steps to Prevent Residential Pipes from Freezing

Winter brings a cozy aesthetic of snow-covered roofs and warm fireplaces, but for a homeowner, it also brings a silent, hidden threat: the freezing pipe. It is one of the most common and catastrophic home disasters, capable of causing thousands of dollars in water damage in a matter of minutes.

The reality is that water expands when it freezes. This expansion creates immense pressure inside your plumbing system—pressure that can split copper, PVC, and steel pipes wide open. The aftermath is not just a plumbing repair; it is often a full-scale restoration project involving ruined drywall, soaked carpets, and mold mitigation.

Fortunately, this disaster is almost entirely preventable. You don’t need to wait for a cold snap to panic; you can winterize your home now with a few strategic moves. While a professional residential plumber is your best resource for a whole-home inspection or emergency repair, there are several proactive steps you can take yourself to armor your home against the cold.

If you want to sleep soundly during the next freeze warning, here is your guide to keeping the water flowing.

1. Insulate the Vulnerable Zones

Not all pipes are created equal. The pipes in the center of your home, surrounded by heated living space, are relatively safe. The danger zones are the pipes that run through unheated areas: the attic, the basement, the crawl space, and the garage.

These pipes are on the front lines of the cold.

• Pipe Sleeves: Go to your local hardware store and buy foam pipe insulation sleeves. These are inexpensive, easy to cut, and slip right over your exposed pipes. It’s like putting a winter coat on your plumbing.

• Heat Tape: For highly exposed or high-risk pipes (like those in a drafty crawl space), consider installing UL-certified heat tape. This electric cable wraps around the pipe and provides direct, thermostat-controlled warmth to keep the water liquid.

2. Seal the Invisible Drafts

You might think your house is sealed tight, but cold air is relentless. It will find the smallest crack in your siding, foundation, or window frames. A tiny, pencil-sized hole in an exterior wall can let in a jet of freezing air that blows directly onto a pipe, freezing it solid even if the rest of the room feels warm.

• Caulk and Seal: Walk the perimeter of your home. Look for gaps around dryer vents, cable lines, and hose bibs. Seal these gaps with expanding foam or high-quality exterior caulk.

• Check the Basement: Look at the rim joist (where the house frame meets the foundation). This is a notorious spot for drafts. Insulating this area not only protects your pipes but will likely lower your heating bill, too.

3. Let the Warm Air Circulate

Your plumbing system is often hidden behind closed doors—specifically, cabinet doors. The pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks are often located against exterior walls, making them colder than the rest of the room.

When the temperature outside drops below freezing, open those cabinet doors. This simple act allows the warm air from your home’s heating system to circulate around the pipes. It might look a little messy to have your cleaning supplies exposed, but it is a highly effective way to raise the ambient temperature of those vulnerable pipes by a few critical degrees.

4. Use the Drip Technique

Moving water is harder to freeze than standing water. When the forecast predicts a deep freeze (typically below 20°F), you need to keep the water moving.

You don’t need a steady stream; a slow drip is enough. Turn on the cold water faucet that is furthest from your main water shut-off valve (or any faucet served by exposed pipes) and let it drip. This prevents the water from settling and freezing, and if ice does start to form, an open faucet provides relief for the built-up pressure, which is often what actually causes the pipe to burst.

5. Manage Your Thermostat Strategically

We all love to save money on heating bills, so it is common to turn the thermostat down at night or when we leave for work. However, during extreme cold, this can be a risky gamble.

• Consistency is Key: Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night. The few dollars you might save by dropping the temperature at night are not worth the risk of a frozen pipe.

• The Vacation Rule: If you are traveling for the holidays, do not turn your heat off. Set your thermostat to no lower than 55°F. This provides a safety buffer that keeps the interior structure of the house warm enough to protect the plumbing hidden in the walls.

What to Do If You Suspect a Freeze

Despite your best efforts, extreme weather can sometimes win. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe.

1. Keep the Faucet Open: As you treat the frozen area and the ice begins to melt, water will need to flow through to help melt the rest of the ice.

2. Apply Gentle Heat: Use a hair dryer, a portable space heater, or towels soaked in hot water. Apply heat to the section of the pipe that is frozen.

3. Do NOT Use Open Flames: Never use a blowtorch, kerosene heater, or open flame device to thaw a pipe. The risk of fire is extreme, and the intense, localized heat can actually boil the water inside the pipe, causing it to burst.

If you cannot locate the frozen area or if the pipe has already burst, shut off the main water valve to your home immediately and call a professional. Speed is your friend in preventing water damage.

Your home protects you from the elements; make sure you return the favor. A little preparation now can save you from a wet, freezing, and expensive mess later.