Protect Your Water Lines

You may need to take steps to protect exposed pipes and those within walls or other less accessible areas to prevent your water lines and meters from freezing. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant (and costly) damage so it’s important to take preventive action — especially during the winter months when temperatures drop. Here are several strategies you can implement to reduce the risk of freezing:

1. Insulate Pipes

Use pipe insulation: Foam pipe insulation is a simple and effective way to protect exposed pipes. Pay special attention to areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces where pipes are often unprotected.

Heat tape: Electrical heat tape can be wrapped around pipes to provide heat and prevent freezing. Some versions are self-regulating, meaning they adjust the temperature depending on the surrounding conditions.

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Seal gaps in walls, floors, and windows: Cold air can sneak into your home through small openings, even in walls or around windows. Use caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping to seal any cracks and gaps where drafts may enter and cool down pipes.

Close vents and crawl space openings: If you have a crawl space or an unheated area under your home, make sure to close any vents and cover openings to prevent cold air from reaching your pipes.

3. Keep the Home Warm

Maintain a consistent temperature: During the winter, keep your home at a steady temperature, even if you’re away. It’s recommended to keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C), even if you’re not at home. Lower temperatures can increase the likelihood of frozen pipes.

Open cabinet doors: If you have water pipes under sinks or in cabinets (such as in kitchens and bathrooms), leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes — particularly on exterior walls.

4. Add Extra Insulation to Attics, Basements, and Crawl Spaces

Insulate cold spaces: If your attic or basement is poorly insulated, it can let in cold air that may freeze nearby pipes. Adding more insulation to these areas can help maintain warmer temperatures around the pipes.

5. Use Space Heaters or Pipe Heat Tape

Portable space heaters: In particularly vulnerable areas like basements or crawl spaces, using a portable space heater can help keep the surrounding air warm and reduce the risk of freezing. Be sure to follow safety guidelines to avoid fire hazards.

Pipe heat tape: For areas where freezing is common (such as garages or exterior walls), consider installing pipe heating cables. These cables can be plugged in to prevent the water in your pipes from freezing.

6. Keep Garage Doors Closed

Prevent cold air from entering: If your garage has plumbing running through it, keep the garage door closed during extreme cold spells. Cold air can quickly lower the temperature in the garage, causing pipes to freeze.

7. Drain Exterior Pipes

Winterize outdoor faucets: Shut off and drain exterior faucets and hoses. You can install frost-proof faucets for additional protection. Disconnect and drain hoses to prevent them from freezing and potentially damaging your water supply line.

8. Monitor Temperature

Check for cold spots: Use a thermometer to monitor cold spots in your home. Pay attention to areas that are typically colder than others, like corners, attics, or basements. If temperatures drop close to freezing, consider additional measures like turning on heat in those areas.

9. Know How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Thawing process: If a pipe freezes despite your best efforts, it’s important to thaw it slowly to avoid damage. Use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or a space heater to gently warm the pipe. Never use an open flame or torch, as this can cause the pipe to burst.