How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter: The Complete Homeowner's Guide

Every winter, frozen pipes cause devastating damage to homes across the country. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, burst pipes are the leading cause of property damage during winter months, with the average insurance claim exceeding $10,000. The good news? Frozen pipes are almost entirely preventable with the right preparation.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to protect your home's plumbing this winter—from understanding why pipes freeze to emergency steps if prevention fails.

Why Do Pipes Freeze and Burst?

Understanding the science helps you protect your home more effectively.

The Freezing Process

Water expands by approximately 9% when it freezes. This expansion creates enormous pressure inside pipes—up to 2,000 pounds per square inch. No pipe, whether copper, PVC, or steel, can withstand this pressure indefinitely.

Where Pipes Actually Burst

Interestingly, pipes don't always burst at the frozen point. The ice blockage creates pressure between itself and a closed faucet. The pipe typically fails at its weakest point, which could be anywhere along the pressurized section. This is why a pipe might freeze in your exterior wall but burst under your kitchen sink.

Temperature Thresholds

• Alert zone: When outside temps drop below 32°F (0°C)
• Danger zone: When temps fall below 20°F (-6°C)
• Critical zone: When temps stay below 20°F for extended periods

Wind chill matters too—a windy 25°F night can be more dangerous than a calm 20°F night, especially for pipes in exterior walls or unheated spaces.

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?

Not all pipes have equal risk. Focus your prevention efforts on these vulnerable areas:

High-Risk Locations

• Exterior walls: Pipes running through outside walls, especially on north-facing sides
• Unheated areas: Basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages
• Under sinks: Especially those on exterior walls or in island counters
• Near windows: Pipes running past poorly insulated windows
• Outdoor spigots: Hose bibs and exterior faucets
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Sprinkler systems

Lower Risk (But Still Vulnerable)

• Pipes in interior walls
• Pipes in heated, insulated basements
• Hot water pipes (they freeze too, just slightly slower)

10 Proven Strategies to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipe insulation is your first line of defense. For pipes in unheated areas:

• Foam pipe sleeves: Easy to install, available at any hardware store ($2-$4 per 6-foot section)
• Pipe wrap insulation: Good for irregular shapes and fittings
• Heat tape or cables: Electric heating elements that wrap around pipes (essential for high-risk areas)

Pro tip: Don't forget to insulate pipe fittings, valves, and corners—these are often missed and can be weak points.

2. Seal Air Leaks Near Pipes

Cold air infiltration is a major cause of frozen pipes. Inspect and seal:

• Gaps where pipes enter through walls or foundations
• Cracks in exterior walls, especially near pipes
• Openings around electrical wiring and cable entry points
• Dryer vents and other wall penetrations

Use caulk, spray foam, or weatherstripping as appropriate for each situation.

3. Let Faucets Drip

During extreme cold, let vulnerable faucets drip slightly. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water.

• Focus on faucets served by exposed pipes
• Both hot and cold lines should drip if both are at risk
• A trickle about the width of a pencil lead is sufficient
• This relieves pressure buildup even if ice forms

Cost concern? The water cost is minimal—typically under $1-2 per day—compared to thousands in potential damage.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

For pipes under sinks on exterior walls:

• Open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate
• Move any cleaning products or chemicals away from children and pets
• Consider a small fan to improve air circulation in cold snaps

5. Maintain Consistent Temperature

Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night during cold snaps.

• Never set below 55°F (13°C), even when away
• The small increase in heating costs is far less than burst pipe damage
• If leaving for vacation, consider keeping it at 60°F or higher

6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Before freezing weather arrives:

1. Disconnect all garden hoses
2. Drain water from outdoor faucets
3. If you have interior shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, close them and open the outside faucet to drain remaining water
4. Consider installing frost-proof hose bibs for added protection

7. Insulate Your Water Heater and Pipes

A water heater blanket and pipe insulation near the heater serve double duty:

• Keeps water hotter longer, reducing energy costs
• Protects the immediate piping from freezing
• Especially important for water heaters in garages or unheated spaces

8. Know Your Main Water Shut-Off

In an emergency, you need to stop water flow quickly:

• Locate your main shut-off valve now (typically near the water meter)
• Test it to make sure it works (some valves seize up from disuse)
• Show all household members where it is
• Consider labeling it clearly

9. Consider Smart Water Sensors

Smart home water sensors can alert you to leaks or temperature drops before disaster strikes:

• Place sensors near high-risk pipes and appliances
• Some models can automatically shut off water when a leak is detected
• Remote monitoring is especially valuable if you travel

10. Winterize Vacant Properties

If leaving a home unoccupied for extended periods:

• Shut off the main water supply
• Drain the plumbing system completely
• Add non-toxic antifreeze to toilet bowls, sink traps, and drains
• Keep the heat on at a minimum of 55°F
• Have someone check the property regularly

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle (or nothing) comes out, a pipe may be frozen. Act quickly but carefully:

Step 1: Keep the Faucet Open

As ice melts, water needs somewhere to go. An open faucet relieves pressure and helps melting ice flow out.

Step 2: Locate the Frozen Section

Feel along accessible pipes for unusually cold spots. Frost on the exterior is a clear indicator.

Step 3: Apply Gentle Heat

Thaw the pipe starting from the faucet end and working toward the frozen section:

• Safe methods: Hair dryer, heat lamp, space heater (at safe distance), heating pad, towels soaked in hot water
• Never use: Open flames, propane torches, or charcoal burners—these are fire hazards and can damage pipes

Step 4: Check for Leaks

As the pipe thaws, watch for water escaping. A pipe may have already cracked but the ice was blocking the leak.

Step 5: When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber immediately if:

• You can't locate the frozen section
• The frozen area isn't accessible
• You can't thaw the pipe yourself
• A pipe has burst
• Multiple pipes are frozen

If a Pipe Bursts: Emergency Response

1. Shut off the main water supply immediately
2. Turn off electricity to the affected area if there's standing water
3. Call a licensed plumber
4. Begin removing water to prevent further damage
5. Document damage with photos for insurance
6. Contact your insurance company

The Bottom Line

Frozen pipes are a preventable disaster. The time and money spent on prevention—insulation, sealing air leaks, and maintaining proper temperatures—is a tiny fraction of the cost of water damage from a burst pipe.

Take action before the next cold snap hits. Walk through your home, identify vulnerable pipes, and implement these protective measures. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.

Need help winterizing your plumbing? A licensed plumber can assess your home's specific vulnerabilities and recommend the best protection strategies for your situation.