How to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter

When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside an unprotected pipe can freeze, expand, and split the pipe open. The damage often isn't discovered until the thaw — when hundreds of gallons pour into the wall.

Where pipes freeze first

The most vulnerable pipes are the ones exposed to cold air:

• Pipes in unheated basements, garages, and crawl spaces
• Pipes running along exterior walls
• Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines

The five-minute prevention checklist

1. Disconnect garden hoses before the first freeze and drain outdoor faucets.
2. Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves from any hardware store.
3. Let a faucet drip during a hard freeze — moving water resists freezing.
4. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes.
5. Keep the thermostat steady, even when you're away. Never below 55°F.

If a pipe already froze

Shut off the main water valve, open the affected faucet, and gently warm the pipe with a hair dryer — never an open flame. If you can't locate the freeze or the pipe has already burst, call us. A quick response limits the water damage.