A frozen pipe is more than an inconvenience — when water freezes it expands, and a burst pipe can flood a home in minutes. The good news is that prevention is simple.
Protect your pipes
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls.
- Let a faucet drip during deep cold — moving water is far less likely to freeze.
- Keep cabinet doors open so warm air reaches the plumbing under sinks.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots before winter.
- Keep the heat on (at least 55°F) even when you’re away.
If a pipe does freeze, shut off the main water valve and call a plumber before it thaws and leaks.