Protecting Your Pipes from Freezing: Winter Plumbing Guide

Frozen pipes are one of the most common and expensive plumbing emergencies during winter. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can create pressure exceeding 2,000 PSI — more than enough to split copper, PVC, or even steel pipes.

A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Prevention is far easier and cheaper than dealing with the aftermath.

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk

Not all pipes freeze equally. Focus your protection efforts on:

• Exterior walls: Pipes running through exterior walls have the least insulation between them and the cold.
• Unheated areas: Basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages often lack adequate heating.
• Outdoor fixtures: Hose bibs, sprinkler lines, and outdoor kitchen plumbing are directly exposed.
• Under-insulated areas: Pipes in walls with insufficient insulation are vulnerable even in heated spaces.

Prevention Strategies

Insulate Your Pipes

Pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. Foam pipe sleeves cost just a few dollars per six-foot section and can be cut to fit with scissors.

Focus on:

• All pipes in unheated areas
• Pipes along exterior walls
• Any pipe that has frozen in previous winters

For extra protection in extremely cold areas, consider thermostatically controlled heat tape wrapped around the pipe before insulating.

Seal Air Leaks

Cold drafts accelerate pipe freezing. Check for and seal air leaks near pipes:

• Around holes where pipes enter walls
• Near foundation cracks
• Around basement windows
• At sill plates where the house meets the foundation

Use caulk for small gaps and expanding foam for larger openings.

Keep Your Home Warm

• Maintain a minimum temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when away
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air reach pipes
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage
• If you have rooms that tend to be colder, consider a small space heater

Let Faucets Drip

During extreme cold snaps, letting a thin stream of water flow through faucets served by exposed pipes can prevent freezing. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water.

The small cost of the extra water is negligible compared to the cost of a burst pipe repair.

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Act quickly:

1. Keep the faucet open. As ice melts, water needs somewhere to flow.
2. Apply gentle heat. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water. Start from the faucet end and work toward the frozen section.
3. Never use an open flame. Torches and heaters with open flames can damage pipes and create fire hazards.
4. Check for cracks. Once thawed, inspect the pipe for any splits or bulges. Even a hairline crack will leak.
5. Call a plumber if needed. If you cannot locate the frozen section or if the pipe has already burst, shut off the main water supply and call a professional immediately.

Emergency Response

If a pipe bursts:

1. Shut off the main water supply immediately
2. Turn on faucets to drain remaining water from the system
3. Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near electrical outlets or panels
4. Document the damage with photos for insurance
5. Call a licensed plumber for repairs
6. Contact your insurance company to file a claim

Long-Term Solutions

If frozen pipes are a recurring problem in your home, consider these long-term investments:

• Reroute vulnerable pipes away from exterior walls
• Add insulation to walls, attics, and crawl spaces
• Install a whole-house water leak detection system that can shut off water automatically
• Upgrade to PEX piping which is more resistant to freeze damage than rigid pipes

Winter plumbing protection is an investment that pays for itself many times over. Spend a weekend preparing your home before the first freeze, and you can rest easy knowing your pipes are protected.