Updated February 2022.
During a recent snowstorm we woke to an uncomfortably cold house — the thermostat read 58°F. We had run out of heating oil, and with roads piled high with snow, an oil delivery wasn’t possible for at least 48 hours. Beyond keeping ourselves warm, our main concern was protecting the plumbing from freezing and bursting while we waited. Since that experience we’ve learned several practical steps to prevent and respond to frozen pipes. In this article we cover:
- What to do during a cold-weather emergency to protect your pipes
- How to prepare before winter to reduce the risk of frozen pipes
- What to do if a pipe does freeze
First, here’s what we did during the emergency to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
How To Help Stop Your Pipes From Freezing
Emergency Tip #1: Keep Your House Warm, If Possible
Wherever you can, raise the indoor temperature using any safe heat sources you have. If your main heating system is down, portable heaters, a working fireplace, or a wood stove can maintain warmth in key areas. Our gas fireplace, powered by a separate propane tank, was a lifesaver and allowed us to keep at least one common area comfortably warm.
Emergency Tip #2: Close Off Non-Essential Rooms
Conserve the available heat by closing doors to unused rooms such as spare bedrooms, offices, and storage spaces. At the same time, keep doors open to rooms with plumbing — kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas — so warm air circulates where the pipes are most vulnerable. If you have plumbing in your garage, keep the garage door closed to retain heat there as well.
Emergency Tip #3: Open Cabinet Doors
Open cabinet doors under sinks and vanity units so warm room air can reach the plumbing. This is especially helpful for pipes located against exterior walls or in enclosed spaces where cold air can accumulate. Yes, it means leaving cabinet doors open for a while, but this simple step can make a real difference.
Emergency Tip #4: Leave a Trickle of Water Running
Running water is less likely to freeze than still water. If indoor temperatures drop below about 50°F, consider opening faucets slightly — kitchen and bathroom fixtures included — to allow a slow, steady drip. The extra movement and pressure relief reduces the chance of a freeze and gives you a visual indicator if conditions change.
Emergency Tip #5: Apply Makeshift Insulation
For pipes that are especially exposed, wrap them with towels, blankets, or clothing temporarily to slow heat loss. This is a short-term solution best used under sinks, in garages, or near accessible exterior lines. It’s not a permanent fix, but it can help protect vulnerable sections until you can apply proper insulation.
Those five steps are useful in an immediate crisis. Now here are longer-term preventative measures to reduce the chance of frozen pipes before cold weather arrives.
How To Prepare For & Prevent Frozen Pipe Emergencies
If you live where temperatures often fall below freezing or you’ll be away during winter, taking proactive steps can prevent costly damage and last-minute stress. We learned many of these lessons managing a second home two hours away, where we couldn’t respond quickly during a storm.
Here are practical preventative measures we recommend:
Prevention Tip #1: Insulate Exterior and Crawl Space Pipes
Identify water supply lines in basements, crawl spaces, attics, or along exterior walls and insulate them with foam pipe wrap or self-sealing insulation tubes. Proper insulation reduces heat loss and is a relatively low-cost upgrade that improves year-round energy efficiency as well as winter protection.
Prevention Tip #2: Turn Off the Main Water Supply When Away
If you won’t be using a property for an extended period, shut off the main water supply and drain the lines by opening faucets and flushing toilets. Reducing water pressure and emptying standing water lowers the risk that frozen water will build up and cause a burst pipe. This is a standard step for winterizing seasonal homes and a good precaution for any extended absence.
After shutting off the water, open a faucet or two to relieve pressure and drain remaining water from the system. Creating a little extra space inside the pipes helps prevent bursting if freezing does occur.
Prevention Tip #3: Consider a Water Monitoring or Leak-Detection Device
A water-monitoring system or leak detector can alert you to unusual water use or leaks and, in some cases, automatically shut off the supply. These devices provide added peace of mind for second homes or properties you cannot check regularly. While they don’t stop pipes from freezing, they can limit damage by quickly stopping water flow if a leak develops.
How To Deal With Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes often show up as little or no water from a faucet, or a slow, sputtering flow. If you suspect a freeze, take the following steps before the weather improves or you can get professional help:
- Check for a burst pipe first: Look and listen for leaks in walls, ceilings, crawl spaces, or basements. If you find active leaking, shut off the water and contact a plumber immediately.
- Keep the faucet open: Leaving the faucet open lets any thawed water escape and allows pressure to relieve, which can prevent further damage.
- Apply gentle heat to the frozen section: Use a hair dryer, portable electric heater, heating pad, or warm towels to thaw the pipe. Never use open flames or high-heat torches. Work slowly and monitor the pipe as it warms.
If you’re unsure or the situation looks risky, call a licensed plumber. Acting early, maintaining some indoor heat, and insulating vulnerable lines are the best ways to avoid a frozen-pipe emergency. Stay warm and safe, and may your pipes stay flowing all winter.