Frozen Pipes Prevention

When pipes freeze

Below 20°F outside for 6+ hours. Worse if windy. Pipes in unheated areas (garage, attic, exterior walls) most at risk.

Before winter

• Disconnect garden hoses and drain.
• Cover outdoor faucets with insulating covers ($3-10 each).
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas (foam pipe sleeves, $5-10 per 6 feet).
• Find your main water shutoff valve. Tag it.
• Caulk gaps where cold air enters near pipes.

Before a cold snap (overnight prep)

1. Drip faucets — leave one or two faucets running pencil-lead-thin all night. Especially exterior-wall faucets.
2. Open cabinet doors — let warm room air reach pipes under sinks.
3. Set thermostat to at least 55°F, even if away.
4. Garage — keep door closed; pull car inside to add ambient heat.
5. Smart thermostat alerts — get phone alerts if house temp drops too low.

If you suspect a frozen pipe

1. Turn on the faucet the pipe leads to — let melting water drain.
2. Apply heat — hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Start nearest the faucet.
3. Never use open flame (torch, propane heater).
4. If can\'t locate or pipe burst — turn off main water shutoff. Call plumber.
5. Insurance call — document with photos before cleanup.

Smart leak detectors

Detection saves you from "I came home from vacation and the basement was a swimming pool". Place sensors in:

• Under washing machine.
• Under water heater.
• Under sinks.
• Behind toilets.
• Near sump pump.

(See our Water Leak Detector tool.) Or get whole-house auto-shutoff like Moen Flo.