How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your Home

Protect Your Home! During below-freezing temperatures, take preventative measures in your home to keep your pipes from freezing.

When temperatures dip below freezing, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your home from costly damage. Frozen pipes can burst, causing significant water damage and expensive repairs. Follow these simple tips to keep your home — and your plumbing — safe all winter long.

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1. Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature

Keep your thermostat set at a steady, warm temperature day and night. Avoid lowering the temperature at night as you might during milder weather. A consistent temperature helps ensure that water inside your pipes doesn’t freeze.

2. Open Bathroom and Kitchen Cabinets

Pipes located near exterior walls or windows are especially vulnerable to freezing. By opening cabinet doors under sinks in bathrooms and kitchens, you allow warm air to circulate around the pipes and prevent them from getting too cold.

3. Let Cold Water Drip from Faucets in Cold-Prone Areas

Allowing a small trickle of water to run through exposed interior pipes (those that share a wall with the outside) keeps the water moving — making it much less likely to freeze. This simple step can save you from the headaches of a burst pipe.

4. Keep Garage Doors Closed

Cold air easily seeps in through open garage doors, especially when your home has water lines or a tankless water heater in the garage. Keeping the doors shut helps preserve warmth inside and reduces the risk of freezing.

5. Use a Safe Space Heater in the Garage

If temperatures drop below 20°F for an extended time, consider placing a space heater near your tankless water heater or exposed pipes in the garage. Be sure to follow all safety instructions and keep heaters away from flammable materials.

6. Disconnect Exterior Water Hoses

Always unhook outdoor hoses before freezing weather hits. Leaving hoses attached traps water in the faucet and pipes, which can lead to bursting and significant damage when the water freezes.

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What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, a frozen pipe may be to blame. Don’t panic — but act quickly.

• Check for Leaks: Inspect your home for any visible water leaks that could indicate a burst pipe.
• Apply Gentle Heat: Use a safe space heater, hair dryer, or heating pad to warm the frozen section of pipe.
• Keep Faucets Open: Allow faucets to drip steadily during the thawing process to relieve pressure and restore water flow.
• If a Pipe Bursts: Immediately shut off your home’s main water valve and contact a licensed plumber for professional repairs.

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