Updated February 2022.
During a recent snowstorm we woke to a freezing 58-degree house—our heating oil had run out and, because of the storm, no delivery was available for at least 48 hours. Cold inside and snow outside, our biggest concern became protecting the plumbing from freezing and bursting. Since that experience we learned practical tips about frozen pipes. In this article we cover:
- What to do during a cold-weather emergency to keep pipes from freezing
- How to prevent frozen pipes before winter arrives
- Steps to take if your pipes do freeze
First, here’s what to do if you find yourself in a cold-weather emergency like we did.
How To Help Stop Your Pipes From Freezing
Emergency Tip #1: Keep Your House Warm, If Possible
Prioritize heating your home using any available sources. If your main heating fails, use alternative safe heat sources—portable heaters, a gas fireplace, or other working systems. In our case a propane-fired gas fireplace kept one room and much of the house warm enough to protect pipes. Focus on maintaining temperature in the areas where plumbing runs.
Emergency Tip #2: Close Off Non-Essential, Non-Plumbing Rooms
Close doors to rooms you don’t need heated—bedrooms, offices, storage closets—to concentrate heat where it matters most. Leave doors open to rooms that contain plumbing, such as bathrooms and the kitchen, so warmth reaches pipes and reduces the risk of freezing.
Note: If your garage contains plumbing, keep the garage door closed to retain as much warmth as possible.
Emergency Tip #3: Open Cabinet Doors
Open cabinets under sinks and bathroom vanities to allow warm air to circulate around exposed plumbing. This simple step helps heat reach vulnerable pipes faster and is easy to do during an emergency.
Emergency Tip #4: Leave A Trickle Of Water Running
Running a small steady drip from faucets helps keep water moving through pipes, and moving water is less likely to freeze. If indoor temperatures drop near or below 50°F (10°C), open faucets slightly—kitchen, bathroom, tubs, or showers—to maintain a slow flow. A tiny stream or drip can make a big difference.
Emergency Tip #5: Apply Makeshift Insulation
Wrap at-risk or exposed pipes with towels, blankets, or clothing as a temporary insulating measure. This approach is most practical for a few vulnerable locations—under sinks, in garages, or in basements—and can help slow heat loss until proper insulation or repairs are possible.
Those emergency steps are useful in a short-term situation. To avoid last-minute panic and protect pipes outside the heated areas of your home, consider these preventative measures.
How To Prepare For & Prevent Frozen Pipe Emergencies
If your region experiences freezing temperatures or you’re heading into winter, take time now to protect your plumbing. We had additional pressure at our beach house because it’s two hours away, so we used several preventive strategies that help whether you’re home or away.
Consider these long-term steps to reduce the risk of frozen pipes:
Prevention Tip #1: Insulate Exterior Pipes
Identify exposed water supply lines in basements, crawl spaces, attics, or along exterior walls and cover them with foam insulation or foil-backed pipe wrap. Proper insulation reduces heat loss, lowers the chance of freezing, and improves energy efficiency year-round. If you’re unsure which insulation to use, local hardware stores or a contractor can advise you on appropriate products for your climate and pipe type.
Insulating pipes is an efficient, relatively low-cost upgrade that pays off across seasons.
Prevent Tip #2: Turn Off The Main Supply When Away
If you spend extended time away from a property in cold months, shut off the main water supply and drain standing water from hoses, fixtures, and tanks. Locating your shutoff valve ahead of time—whether it’s in a box in the ground, a utility closet, or near the meter—makes this task quick and reliable. After shutting the valve, open a faucet or flush a toilet briefly to release pressure and some standing water; this leaves room in the pipes to expand if freezing occurs and reduces the chance of bursts.
Releasing pressure after turning the water off is a small but important step that can prevent major damage.
Prevent Tip #3: Install a Smart Water Monitor
Consider a water-monitoring or leak-detection device for remote alerts and automatic shutoff. These systems can detect unusual flow that indicates a leak and shut off the water to limit damage when you’re not onsite. For second homes or properties you visit infrequently, a smart monitor provides extra peace of mind and faster response when problems occur.
How To Deal With Frozen Pipes
Signs of a frozen pipe include no water from a faucet, a trickle instead of a steady flow, or unusual noises in pipes. If you suspect freezing, take these steps before calling a plumber or waiting for temperatures to rise:
- Check for a burst pipe first by looking for leaks in walls, ceilings, crawl spaces, and basements. If you find active leaking, shut off the water immediately and call a professional.
- Keep the faucet open on the affected line so melting ice can flow out and you can monitor progress.
- Apply gentle heat to the frozen section with a hair dryer, electric heating pad, or warm towels. Never use open flames. Work from the faucet toward the frozen area so thawed water can escape.
These are practical steps to manage or prevent frozen-pipe emergencies. Wishing you warm, worry-free winters and smoothly flowing plumbing.