How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing During the Winter

Why pipes freeze and what happens when they do

If you’re wondering what temperature pipes freeze, the answer is at freezing, 32°F degrees Fahrenheit. But, if you have insulated pipes, it’s not normally something you have to worry about until the temperatures hit 20°F or below and stay that way for a sustained period.

When the temperature drops below freezing, any water inside your pipes can freeze and expand, causing a lot of pressure. If that pressure builds up and has nowhere to go, the pipe can burst— leading to a messy and expensive problem.

Easy preventative measures for everyday winter weather

You can prevent frozen pipes a number of ways during typical winter weather. This means making sure your pipes are insulated and warm enough that they don’t reach a freezing temperature in the first place. Here’s how to keep the pipes from freezing this winter through insulation, sealing drafts, and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature:

Insulate your pipes

Preventing frozen pipes starts with proper insulation.

Here’s what kind of pipe insulation to use for your home:

Maintain a consistent indoor temperature

It might be tempting to turn the heat way down when you leave the house, but keeping your thermostat set to at least 55°F— even when you’re away— can help prevent your pipes from freezing. The air around your pipes needs to stay warm enough to ensure water keeps flowing, especially in cooler areas like basements or garages. If your thermostat is programmable, set it to maintain this temperature at all times, particularly during overnight hours when temperatures tend to drop. For added peace of mind, consider using a smart thermostat that can alert you if the temperature in your home falls too low.

Seal drafts

Drafts are a sneaky source of cold air that can significantly lower the temperature around your pipes, increasing the risk of freezing. Start by checking around windows and doors for any gaps or cracks where cold air could enter. Using weatherstripping or caulk can seal these gaps effectively, keeping warm air inside where it belongs.

Don’t forget to check areas around your home’s foundation, electrical outlets, and vents—these spots are often overlooked but can be major sources of drafts. For larger gaps, consider using foam insulation or expanding spray foam to create a tight seal. Taking these steps will help maintain a warmer environment for your pipes and reduce the risk of freezing.

Preparing for extreme cold weather

During the depths of winter, a sudden cold snap can challenge even the best-insulated pipes. If extreme cold settles in and looks like it’s here to stay, take extra precautions to prevent frozen pipes.

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses: Water left in outdoor hoses can freeze and back up into your pipes. Before the first frost, disconnect and store your garden hoses, and be sure to drain any water from hose bibs to prevent freezing.
• Open cabinet doors: If your kitchen or bathroom pipes run along exterior walls, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around those pipes. This extra exposure helps protect them from the cold and reduces the risk of freezing.
• Keep interior doors open: Allow your home’s heat to circulate freely by keeping doors between rooms open, especially in areas where pipes are located, such as closets or utility rooms. This helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home.
• Let faucets drip: During extremely cold weather, let a few faucets—preferably those on exterior walls—drip slightly. This keeps water moving and prevents pressure from building up, reducing the risk of frozen pipes.
• Use space heaters or heat tape: Place space heaters in drafty or unheated areas to provide additional warmth. For added protection, consider using heat tape, which can be wrapped around pipes to deliver low-level heat and keep them above freezing.
• Shut off your water valve if leaving town: If you’re heading out of town during a cold snap, it’s smart to shut off your main water valve. This way, even if your pipes freeze, you won’t have to worry about them bursting and causing a flood.

What to do if your pipes freeze

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze. If you turn on a faucet and only get a trickle of water, smell a foul odor, or hear strange gurgling, clanking, or bubbling sounds, it’s time to take action fast.

Here’s what to do if your pipes freeze.

• Locate the frozen section: If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Check along exterior walls, basements, and attics to find the section of pipe that feels particularly cold or has frost on it.
• Thaw the pipe carefully: Once you’ve located the freeze, start thawing the pipe with gentle heat. A hairdryer works well, or you can use a heating pad, or towels soaked in warm (not boiling) water. Always start thawing closest to the faucet and work backward to the frozen section.
• Never use an open flame: While it might be tempting, using a blowtorch or any kind of open flame to thaw a pipe is dangerous. Stick to safe, controlled sources of heat.
• Know when to call for help: If the pipe has already burst or if you're unable to locate or thaw it, it’s time to bring in a Pro. Quick action is key to minimizing water damage, so don’t wait too long to make the call.

Don’t Worry. Be Warranty.

Despite the best precautions in place to keep your pipes from freezing, there may be times when freezing temperatures sneak up on you, or you’re away from home when the cold hits. Similar to taking preventative steps to protect your home from winter woes, prevent unexpected hits to your budget through an American Home Shield® home warranty plan. With add-on coverage that extends to the rest of your home’s major systems and appliances, you won’t be left out in the cold when things go wrong.

For more tips on protecting your plumbing, check out our guide to removing roots from drain pipes and easing the effects of hard water buildup on our Home Matters blog.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.