Editorial standards set by Stu Clark, a UK-trained plumber who ran his own plumbing and bathroom renovation business for 10 years before founding Top5HomePros. Published .
To prevent frozen pipes, insulate exposed pipes in attics, crawl spaces and garages, disconnect outdoor hoses before the first freeze, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls in extreme cold, and keep the heat on, at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you are away.
Why Is a Frozen Pipe So Expensive?
A frozen pipe doesn't just stop your water supply, it can burst as ice expands inside it, and a burst pipe can release a significant amount of water into your home before anyone notices, especially if it happens while you're away. The prevention is simple and cheap compared to the cost of repairing the resulting water damage.
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What to look for in a plumber before winter
Ask whether a plumber will check exposed pipes in attics, crawl spaces and garages and show you where your main shutoff valve is. We check that plumbers are real local operators with independent reviews, and read how they respond to complaints. See how we rank for the full process.
Which Pipes Should You Insulate?
Pipes running through an attic, crawl space, garage, or along an exterior wall are the most vulnerable, since they lack the ambient heat of the rest of your home. Foam pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and straightforward to install on any exposed sections you can access.
Should You Disconnect Outdoor Hoses Before a Freeze?
A hose left connected to an outdoor spigot can trap water in the pipe leading to it, increasing freeze risk even for an otherwise well-protected line. Disconnect, drain, and store hoses before temperatures consistently drop, and consider an insulated faucet cover for added protection.
Should You Open Cabinet Doors in Extreme Cold?
Pipes under sinks on exterior walls benefit from the warmer room air reaching them during a severe cold snap. Opening cabinet doors beneath affected sinks is a simple, free step that genuinely helps during the coldest stretches.
How Low Can You Set the Heat While Away?
Lowering your thermostat while traveling is reasonable for saving energy, but don't turn heat off entirely. Keeping your home at a minimum of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when no one is home, protects pipes without wasting significant energy.
What Should You Do If a Pipe Freezes?
If you suspect a frozen but not yet burst pipe, shut off the main water valve as a precaution, then apply gentle heat to the frozen section with a hair dryer or heating pad, never an open flame. If you see any sign of a crack or leak, treat it as an emergency and shut off water immediately.
Your Frozen Pipe Checklist
- Insulate pipes in attics, crawl spaces, garages and along exterior walls.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the first freeze.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during extreme cold.
- Keep the heat on, at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you are away.
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety's Winter Ready guidance advises insulating pipes in attics, crawl spaces and exterior walls, setting the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit even when no one is home, opening cabinet doors and letting faucets drip in extreme cold, and knowing where your main shut-off valve is.
If you want a professional pre-winter check, our Top 5 plumbers list is independently researched town by town, including Apex, NC plumbers, Mount Pleasant, SC plumbers, and Fort Mill, SC plumbers.