Winter might bring beautiful snow and cozy nights, but it also brings one major plumbing nightmare: frozen pipes. When water freezes inside your plumbing, it expands, creating pressure that can cause pipes to burst and flood your home. The damage can be extensive and expensive.
The good news? You can prevent this winter disaster with a few proactive steps. In this guide, we’ll cover why pipes freeze, which pipes are most vulnerable, and how to protect your home before temperatures drop.
❄️ Why Do Pipes Freeze?
When temperatures fall below 32°F (0°C), any exposed or poorly insulated pipes are at risk of freezing, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, or exterior walls.
As water inside the pipes freezes, it expands. That pressure builds up and has nowhere to go, eventually causing the pipe to rupture. The result? A burst pipe and a potentially flooded space.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?
While any pipe can freeze under the right conditions, the most vulnerable include:
- Pipes in unheated crawl spaces, attics, basements, and garages
- Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines
- Pipes running through exterior walls without insulation
- Under-sink pipes in kitchens or bathrooms along outer walls
️ How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Avoiding frozen pipes is all about preparation and insulation. Here’s what you can do before and during winter to protect your plumbing:
✅ 1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap vulnerable pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. This is especially important in unheated spaces like basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
✅ 2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Use caulk or spray foam to seal cracks around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the home. Cold air seeping in can drastically lower the temperature near pipes.
✅ 3. Disconnect Garden Hoses
Drain and store garden hoses before winter hits. Shut off the water to outdoor faucets and install insulated faucet covers.
✅ 4. Keep Interior Doors Open
Open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms to let warm air circulate around under-sink pipes, especially at night.
✅ 5. Let Faucets Drip on Cold Nights
A small, steady drip of cold water can relieve pressure and keep water flowing, helping to prevent freezing.
✅ 6. Maintain Indoor Heat
Even if you’re away, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C). Sudden drops in temperature can happen fast.
️ What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you suspect a frozen pipe:
- Turn on the faucet connected to the frozen pipe.
- Apply gentle heat to the pipe using a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels (never use an open flame).
- Call a licensed skilled plumber immediately if the pipe bursts or you can’t locate the freeze.
Act quickly, waiting can cause water damage and mold.
Bonus: Install Smart Leak Sensors
Consider installing smart leak detectors or Wi-Fi-enabled shutoff valves. These devices alert you instantly if a pipe bursts and can even shut off water remotely, preventing major damage.
✅ Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Preventing frozen pipes in winter is all about preparation. With a few affordable upgrades and good habits, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy peace of mind all season long.
Winter may be cold, but your home’s plumbing doesn’t have to suffer because of it. Take action now, and your future self and your pipes will thank you.
