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How Do You Prevent Pipes From Freezing in a Cold Snap?

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Keep Indoor Heat Flowing

Maintain your home's temperature at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you are away. Pay extra attention to unheated interior spaces like basements, attics, and garages, as pipes there are most vulnerable. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. This simple action helps protect the pipes hidden in your walls from freezing.

Add Insulation to Vulnerable Pipes

Insulate pipes in cold zones with foam pipe sleeves, which are easy to install. For added protection, apply heat tape or cable to pipes along exterior walls or in crawl spaces, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home's exterior walls where cold air can reach pipes. Proper insulation provides a critical barrier against freezing temperatures.

  • Apply foam pipe insulation to all exposed water pipes.
  • Use heat tape on pipes in unheated or exterior areas.
  • Seal air leaks around pipes where they enter the home.
  • Insulate your water heater and hot water pipes as well.
  • Consider insulating the walls of unheated spaces like garages.
  • Check that attic and crawl space vents are closed in winter.

Let Faucets Drip Strategically

Allow cold water to drip slowly from faucets connected to pipes on exterior walls. A steady, thin stream relieves pressure inside the pipe system, making a burst less likely if ice does form. Focus on faucets farthest from where water enters your home. This tactic is one of the most effective and immediate actions you can take during a severe cold snap.

Drain and Shut off Outdoor Lines

Disconnect, drain, and store garden hoses before the cold season. Shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots using an interior valve, then open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water. If you have an irrigation system, a qualified professional can winterize it. Neglecting these steps leaves water in the lines, where it will freeze and expand, causing splits.

Know What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

If a faucet only produces a trickle, a pipe may be frozen. Keep the faucet open and gently apply heat to the frozen section with a hair dryer or heating pad. Never use an open flame. If you cannot locate the freeze or thaw the pipe, shut off the main water supply immediately to prevent a burst when it thaws.

  • Locate your main water shutoff valve and ensure it works.
  • If a pipe freezes, open the faucet it supplies.
  • Apply gentle heat, moving along the pipe from faucet to blockage.
  • Check all other faucets in the home for reduced flow.
  • Once thawed, check the pipe and area for any leaks.
  • If water stops completely, the freeze may be behind a wall.

Water damage does not wait

Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.

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Frequently asked questions

At what temperature do pipes freeze?

Pipes are at risk of freezing when outdoor temperatures stay below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, uninsulated pipes in unheated interior spaces can freeze when indoor temperatures drop near freezing. Wind chill and poor insulation dramatically increase the risk, so preventive steps are wise well before the coldest nights.

Should I leave all faucets dripping?

You do not need to leave every faucet dripping. Focus on faucets that supply water through pipes running along exterior walls or in unheated spaces like a crawl space. Letting a small stream of cold water flow from these strategic locations is usually sufficient to prevent a freeze.

What should I do if a pipe bursts?

Immediately shut off the main water supply to your home. Then, call local water damage pros for emergency cleanup. They have equipment to extract water and dry the area properly to prevent mold. You should also contact your insurance company to discuss your claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

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