Updated February 2022.
During last weekend’s snowstorm we woke to a 58°F house—no heat because we’d run out of heating oil. With roads blocked by snow, an oil delivery wasn’t possible for at least 48 hours. Along with staying warm ourselves, our biggest concern became preventing our plumbing from freezing and bursting while we waited. Since then we’ve learned several practical steps for dealing with frozen pipes. This article covers:
- How to keep water pipes from freezing during a cold-weather emergency
- Preventive measures to reduce the risk of frozen pipes before winter
- What to do if your pipes do freeze
First, here’s what to do during an actual cold-weather emergency when you’re trying to prevent pipes from freezing.
How To Help Stop Your Pipes From Freezing
Emergency Tip #1: Keep Your Home Warm
If you lose primary heat, use any safe alternative heat sources available to keep indoor temperatures up. We couldn’t use our main furnace but had a gas fireplace that runs on a separate propane tank—turning it on kept one area of the house warm and helped protect nearby pipes. Portable heaters are another option if used safely and attended.
Emergency Tip #2: Close Off Non-Essential Rooms
Close doors to rooms that don’t contain plumbing—bedrooms, offices, storage closets—to concentrate heat in living spaces. Keep doors open to rooms that do have plumbing, such as bathrooms and the kitchen, so warm air can circulate around the pipes that need protection.
Note: If you have plumbing in a garage, keep garage doors closed to help retain heat in that area.
Emergency Tip #3: Open Cabinet Doors
Open cabinet doors beneath sinks and vanities to allow warm air to reach the plumbing. This simple step brings heat directly to pipes that are otherwise insulated by cabinetry and can help slow or prevent freezing.
Emergency Tip #4: Leave a Trickle of Water Running
Running water, even a slight drip, is less likely to freeze than standing water. If indoor temperatures drop below about 50°F and you’re concerned about freezing, open faucets slightly to provide a steady trickle from sinks, bathtubs, or showers. The moving water reduces the chance of ice forming inside pipes.
Emergency Tip #5: Apply Temporary Insulation
If you identify specific pipes at risk, wrap them with towels, blankets, or extra clothing to block cold air. This is most useful for isolated pipes under sinks, in garages, or in exposed crawl spaces. While not a long-term fix, makeshift insulation can buy time until more permanent measures are in place.
Those five emergency steps are useful when you’re caught off guard. Below are preventative measures to reduce the risk of frozen pipes before winter arrives.
How To Prepare For & Prevent Frozen Pipe Emergencies
If your region experiences freezing temperatures or you’ll be away during winter, take steps ahead of time to protect your plumbing. At our beach house—two hours away—we learned to winterize in ways that reduce the need for last-minute interventions like opening faucets or turning up heat remotely.
Here are the preventive steps we implemented to protect pipes during cold weather:
Prevention Tip #1: Insulate Exterior and Vulnerable Pipes
Identify water supply lines located in basements, crawl spaces, attics, or along exterior walls and insulate them. Use foam pipe insulation, foil-backed pipe wrap, or self-sealing insulation tubes to reduce heat loss. Proper pipe insulation not only helps prevent freezing but also improves overall energy efficiency year-round.
Prevention Tip #2: Turn Off the Main Water Supply When Away
If you don’t occupy a property full time, shut off the main water supply before leaving for an extended period. Locate your shutoff valve—often in a basement, garage, closet, or an outdoor meter box—and close it. After shutting off the water, relieve pressure by opening a faucet, flushing a toilet, or draining a hose for a few seconds to empty standing water from the lines. This creates space in the pipes so ice can expand without causing a burst.
A flushed toilet once saved our pipes during a blizzard—releasing pressure and removing standing water can make a real difference.
Prevention Tip #3: Install a Water Monitoring or Leak Detection Device
Consider installing a smart water monitor or leak detector that can alert you to unusual water usage and remotely shut off the water main if a problem is detected. These devices won’t stop a pipe from freezing, but they can limit damage by notifying you quickly and automatically shutting off water when a leak occurs.
How To Deal With Frozen Pipes
If a faucet suddenly stops flowing or only drips, a pipe may be frozen. Here are practical steps to try before professional help arrives:
- Check for bursts or leaks first. Inspect walls, ceilings, basements, and crawl spaces for signs of leaking. If you find a burst pipe, shut off the water immediately and contact a plumber.
- Keep the faucet open. Leaving the faucet open lets water flow once the ice starts to melt, and moving water helps the pipe thaw more quickly.
- Apply gentle, direct heat. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels to warm the frozen section of pipe. Electric space heaters can help for nearby areas, but never use open flames or torches. Proceed carefully and monitor the pipe as it thaws.
If you’re unsure or you locate a leak, call a licensed plumber. Preventing frozen pipes through insulation, winterizing, and smart monitoring will reduce the chance of emergency repairs and water damage. Stay warm and take steps now so your pipes keep flowing smoothly all winter long.