The short answer
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas like attics, garages, and crawl spaces are the most likely to freeze. Wrap them with foam pipe insulation or heat tape, which you can find at most hardware stores. Pay special attention to elbows and bends, where ice often forms first.
For a quick fix, use towels or newspaper to wrap pipes overnight if a freeze is coming. That temporary layer slows heat loss and can buy you time. Make sure insulation stays dry, because wet insulation loses its ability to protect the pipe.
Seal Air Leaks
Cold air seeping through gaps in walls, floors, and foundations can chill pipes that run nearby. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal openings around pipes, vents, and electrical wires. Check the areas where pipes enter your home from outside.
Close garage doors and open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm room air reach the pipes. This simple step helps in kitchens and bathrooms, especially on exterior walls. A warm room keeps the water inside the pipe from dropping to freezing.
- Seal gaps around pipe penetrations with caulk or foam.
- Close garage doors to keep cold air out.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks during freezing weather.
- Keep the thermostat at a steady temperature, even at night.
- Let a slow drip run from faucets to keep water moving.
- Know where your main shutoff valve is before a freeze.
Keep Water Moving
Running water is harder to freeze than still water. Letting a faucet drip slowly, about a drop per second, keeps water moving through the pipes. This reduces pressure buildup if ice does form, which lowers the chance of a burst.
If you plan to leave home during cold weather, set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees. You can also shut off the water and drain the pipes if the house will be empty for a long time. Ask a plumber for the right way to drain your system.
Handle a Frozen Pipe
If a pipe freezes, keep the faucet open. That lets water escape as it thaws and relieves pressure. Use a hair dryer or a space heater to warm the pipe slowly, starting from the faucet end. Never use an open flame, because that can damage the pipe or start a fire.
If the pipe has already burst, shut off the main water valve right away. Then call local water damage pros to handle the cleanup. Burst pipes can flood a home quickly, soaking floors, walls, and belongings.
Recover from a Burst
A burst pipe can release a large amount of water quickly, soaking carpets, drywall, and furniture. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes. If this happens, turn off the water and electricity in the affected area if safe to do so.
Local water damage pros can remove soaked flooring, dry out walls, and repair damage. They also check for mold, which can start growing within a day or two. Acting fast helps limit the repair work and keeps your home safer.
The pros can remove soaked flooring, dry out walls, and repair damage. They also check for mold, which can start growing within a day or two. Acting fast helps limit the repair work and keeps your home safer.
- Shut off the main water valve immediately.
- Move furniture and valuables out of the water.
- Use towels and a wet vacuum to remove standing water.
- Set up fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying.
- Contact a plumber to fix the broken pipe.
- Call the pros for cleanup and repairs.
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Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Pipes can freeze when the temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below, especially if they are exposed or uninsulated. The risk rises when the cold lasts for several hours. Keep the thermostat above 55 degrees to reduce the chance.
Should I let all faucets drip during a freeze?
You only need to let the faucets on exterior walls or in unheated areas drip. Letting a slow drip from those faucets keeps water moving and relieves pressure. Running every faucet wastes water and is not necessary.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve immediately to stop the flow. Then turn off electricity in the affected area if safe. Remove standing water as fast as you can, and call the pros to dry and repair the damage.