What to Do to Prevent Frozen Pipes

*Updated on February 11th, 2025

When temperatures drop below freezing, your home’s plumbing system can be at serious risk. Frozen pipes are a common winter headache for homeowners, and if left unchecked, they can lead to major damage. When water inside the pipes freezes, it expands, creating pressure that can cause pipes to crack or even burst.

The result? Costly repairs, water damage, and a whole lot of stress. But the good news is that preventing frozen pipes is easier than you might think. With a few proactive steps, you can keep your pipes safe and your home dry all winter long.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your plumbing from the cold.

Why Pipes Freeze

Pipes freeze when the water inside them reaches the freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). This can happen when the air temperature outside is very cold, or when the pipes are exposed to cold drafts, such as in unheated areas of the house, or near windows, doors, or vents. Pipes that are made of metal or plastic are both susceptible to freezing, as water expands regardless of the material it is contained in. The most vulnerable pipes are those that are located in areas where the temperature is not regulated, such as:

• Outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets
• Pipes that run along exterior walls that have little or no insulation

When pipes freeze, they can create a blockage that prevents water from flowing through them. This can affect your water supply and pressure, and also create a potential hazard if the pipes thaw and leak. Frozen pipes can also cause the pipes to burst, which can result in major water damage and expensive repairs.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to keep them from getting too cold in the first place. This means maintaining a warm temperature in your home, insulating your pipes, and draining any outdoor water lines before the winter season. Here are some tips on how to prevent frozen pipes:

• Drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is harmful to the environment and can be dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and plants.
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close the valves that supply water to the outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will help maintain higher temperatures in these areas and prevent heat loss.
• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under  kitchen and bathroom  cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
• Consider installing  specific products made to insulate water pipes, such as a pipe sleeve, heat tape, heat cable, or similar materials. These products can provide extra protection for exposed pipes and prevent them from freezing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when installing these products.
• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing. This may involve rerouting the pipes or moving them to a warmer area of the house. This can be a complex and costly project, so you may want to consult a professional plumber before attempting this.

How to Keep Pipes from Freezing

In addition to the preventive measures mentioned above, there are some things you can do to keep your pipes from freezing when the weather is very cold outside. These include:

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. This will help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. This will help prevent the pipes from freezing in these areas. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle, will help prevent the pipes from freezing. The water movement will reduce the pressure in the pipes and make it less likely for them to burst if they do freeze.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you are going away for an extended period of time, do not lower the thermostat below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). You may also want to shut off the main water valve and drain the system by opening all the faucets and flushing the toilets. This will prevent any water from freezing in the pipes while you are away.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you suspect that you have a frozen pipe, you should act quickly to thaw it before it bursts. Here are some steps you can take to thaw a frozen pipe:

• Identify the location of the frozen pipe. You can do this by checking for faucets that have little or no water flow, or by feeling the pipes for cold spots. The frozen pipe is likely to be in an unheated or exposed area, such as a basement, crawl space, attic, garage, or exterior wall.
• Turn on the faucet that is connected to the frozen pipe. This will help relieve the pressure in the pipe and allow the water to flow once the pipe is thawed.
• Apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe. You can use an electric heating pad, a hair dryer, a space heater, or a hot water bottle. Do not use any open flame devices, such as a blowtorch, a kerosene heater, or a propane heater, as these can be dangerous and damage the pipe. Also, do not use any electrical devices near standing water, as this can cause electrocution.
• Apply heat until the full water pressure is restored. Check the faucet periodically to see if the water is flowing. If the pipe is thawed, you should see a steady stream of water.
• If you cannot locate the frozen pipe, or if you cannot access it, you may need to call a licensed plumber to help you. Do not try to thaw a pipe that has already burst, as this can cause more damage and flooding.

Recognizing Signs of Freezing Before Pipes Burst

Catching a frozen pipe early can save you from a plumbing disaster. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these warning signs:

• Reduced Water Flow: If you turn on a faucet and only get a trickle—or no water at all—there’s a good chance a pipe is frozen. This is especially common in pipes running along exterior walls or in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces.
• Frost on Pipes: If you can see exposed pipes, check for frost or a layer of ice on the outside. This is a clear indication that the pipe is starting to freeze and needs attention before it gets worse.
• Unusual Sounds: If you hear strange noises when you turn on a faucet—like gurgling, banging, or clinking—it could be ice moving inside the pipe. This means water is struggling to get through, and the pipe is at risk of bursting.

If you notice any of these signs, act quickly! Try warming the affected pipe with a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels, and keep faucets slightly open to allow water to flow. Catching a frozen pipe early can prevent costly damage.

What to Do if a Pipe Bursts

A burst pipe can cause serious water damage fast, so knowing what to do in the moment is crucial. Here’s how to minimize the damage:

1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply: Locate and shut off your home’s main water valve immediately to stop water from flowing into the broken pipe. This is the single most important step to prevent further flooding.
2. Turn Off Electrical Power if Water is Near Outlets: If water is pooling near electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker box, shut off power to that area to avoid dangerous electrical hazards.
3. Clean Up Excess Water: Use towels, mops, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water as fast as possible. The longer water sits, the greater the risk of mold, mildew, and structural damage to floors, walls, and furniture.
4. Contact a Professional Plumber: Burst pipes usually need expert repairs. A plumber can assess the damage, replace the pipe if needed, and make sure your system is safe and functional again.

Conclusion

Frozen pipes might seem like just another winter nuisance, but they can quickly turn into a major (and expensive) headache if they burst. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your pipes safe and your home dry. By insulating exposed pipes, keeping a steady flow of water during extreme cold, and staying alert for early warning signs, you can prevent costly damage before it happens.

If you do notice signs of freezing, don’t wait—take action right away to thaw the pipes safely. And if a pipe does burst, act fast to shut off the water and call a professional to handle repairs.

Winter can be tough on homes, but with a little planning and vigilance, you can keep your plumbing in top shape. Stay warm, stay proactive, and if you ever need expert help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed plumber near you. Here’s to a hassle-free winter!

Additional Plumbing Resources

• Plumbing Repair Cost Guide
• How to Save Money on Plumbing Bills
• Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing Issues?