How to Prevent Frozen Pipes: 5 Winter Plumbing Tips

When temperatures drop below freezing, your pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting, which can lead to expensive water damage. Here’s how to protect them:

• Insulate pipes: Use foam or spray insulation for pipes in unheated areas like basements or attics.
• Keep indoor temperatures steady: Set your thermostat to at least 55–60°F, even when you’re away.
• Seal air leaks: Block drafts around pipes with caulk or foam.
• Prepare outdoor plumbing: Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and use insulated covers.
• Let faucets drip: Running water reduces pressure and prevents freezing during extreme cold.

Key takeaway: Insulate, seal gaps, and maintain warmth to avoid costly pipe repairs this winter.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes | This Old House

How Pipes Freeze

When temperatures drop to 32°F or below, water turns to ice and expands. This expansion creates blockages that trap water, increase internal pressure, and can eventually cause pipes to burst.

Ice typically forms at the coldest point in a pipe, blocking water flow and trapping liquid behind it. As pressure builds up, the risk of a rupture increases. Surprisingly, bursts often happen during thawing. As ice melts, water rushes through the pipe, pressing against any remaining frozen sections. This sudden pressure spike can cause the pipe to fail.

Areas most at risk include:

• Pipes along exterior walls with little to no insulation
• Unheated spaces, such as attics and basements
• Outdoor pipes, like hose bibs

The longer uninsulated pipes remain at or below freezing temperatures, the higher the chance of freezing. Knowing how and where freezing occurs helps you take the right steps to prevent damage.

This freeze-and-thaw process highlights the importance of proper insulation, sealing gaps, and maintaining steady indoor temperatures. Up next, we’ll walk through five steps to protect your pipes from freezing.

5 Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Freezing pipes can cause major headaches, but you can avoid them with these five practical steps.

Add Pipe Insulation

Since ice tends to form at the coldest points, start by insulating your pipes. Slide foam insulation over pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or those along exterior walls. Self-sealing foam makes installation quicker - just tape any seams. For irregular gaps, use spray foam, and for hot water lines, consider fiberglass covers for better heat resistance.

Keep Your House Warm

Set your thermostat to at least 55–60°F when outdoor temperatures dip below freezing. A programmable thermostat can help maintain this temperature without driving up energy costs.

Fix Cold Air Leaks

Check for gaps around pipe penetrations in walls, floors, or foundations. Seal these areas with caulk or low-expansion spray foam to block drafts and keep pipes warmer.

Once you've sealed the drafts, it’s time to focus on your outdoor plumbing.

Prepare Outdoor Plumbing

Before freezing temperatures hit:

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses
• Shut off interior valves connected to outdoor faucets
• Open spigots to let out any remaining water
• Install insulated faucet covers
• Use spray foam to seal gaps around outdoor fixtures

Store hoses indoors and aim to complete these tasks at least two weeks before the first freeze.

Run Water During Cold Snaps

When temperatures drop severely, let a steady drip flow from your faucets. This helps relieve pressure in the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing. Pay special attention to the faucet farthest from your main shut-off valve for the best results.

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Required Tools and Materials for Winter Pipe Protection

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to protect your pipes this winter:

Basic Pipe Protection Materials

Material	Description	Average Price
Foam Pipe Insulation	1/2-in. x 6-ft. semi-slit foam sleeve (Everbilt)	$1.78
Weatherstrip Tape	3/8-in. x 20-ft. gray foam tape (Frost King)	$4.13
Caulk	10.1-oz. white acrylic-latex caulk (DAP Alex Fast Dry)	$4.98

Additional Items

• Heat tape or cables with built-in thermostat control
• Insulated faucet covers

Tip: Prices can vary, so plan to buy about 10% more material than you think you’ll need to ensure full coverage.

Once you’ve got these materials, you’ll be ready to start protecting your pipes.

Pipe Protection Options

In Step 1, we talked about insulating pipes that are at risk. Now, let's focus on choosing the right insulation material. Below are some common types of pipe insulation, their ideal uses, and what to expect during installation:

Insulation Type	Best For	Installation Difficulty	Value	Key Features
Polyurethane Foam	Long, straight pipes in basements	Easy	High	Resistant to moisture; retains shape; durable
Fiberglass	Indoor hot water pipes	Moderate	Medium	Fire-resistant; high R-value; affordable
Mineral Wool	High-temperature areas	Moderate	Medium–High	Withstands up to 1,000°F; resists moisture and mold
Nitrile Rubber	HVAC and refrigeration lines	Easy	High	Flexible; flame- and moisture-resistant
EPDM Rubber	Outdoor water supply lines	Easy	Medium	UV-resistant; weatherproof; long-lasting

Here’s a closer look at what makes each insulation type stand out:

• Polyurethane Foam: Great moisture resistance and shape retention, making it ideal for long, straight pipe runs in cold areas.
• Fiberglass: Fire-resistant with a high R-value, but requires a vapor barrier. Best for indoor hot water pipes.
• Mineral Wool: Handles temperatures up to 1,000°F, repels moisture, and resists mold, making it perfect for areas with fluctuating temperatures.
• Nitrile Rubber: Flexible, flame-retardant, and moisture-resistant - perfect for HVAC and refrigeration pipes.
• EPDM Rubber: Designed for outdoor use, it’s UV-resistant, weatherproof, and built to last.

Once you've picked the right insulation, it's time to recognize when professional help might be necessary.

Signs You Need a Plumber

When prevention isn't enough, certain signs can indicate your pipes are in trouble. Here's what to watch for:

Warning Signs

• Dry Faucets: If multiple faucets stop working during freezing weather, it could mean your pipes are frozen and at risk of bursting.
• Unusual Noises: Sounds like gurgling, clanging, or banging may suggest ice is shifting inside your pipes, which can lead to a burst.

Visible Pipe Damage

Keep an eye out for these issues:

Warning Sign	What It Means	Risk Level
Bulging Pipes	Pressure from freezing water	High: Needs immediate attention
Frost on Pipes	Ice forming on exposed pipe surfaces	Medium: Act quickly
Cracks or Splits	Damage from freezing and expansion	High: Emergency service required
Icy Residue	Persistent freezing on pipe surfaces	Medium: Professional check needed

These problems require more than DIY fixes - call a plumber as soon as you notice them.

Strange Odors

If you smell a sewer-like odor indoors during freezing weather, it could be a sign of a blocked or damaged sewer line. Turn off your water immediately and contact a plumber.

Professional Inspection

Consider scheduling an inspection in the fall. A plumber can add insulation, install heat tape, reroute vulnerable pipes, and ensure your system is in good shape.

Important: Never use space heaters or hair dryers to thaw frozen pipes. These methods can heat unevenly, leading to cracks or bursts. Instead, shut off your water and let a licensed plumber handle the situation safely.

Next Steps

Take action now to protect your home - burst pipes can cost insurers up to $4,200. Don’t wait until the first frost hits. Here’s how you can get started:

• Shut off, drain, and cover outdoor faucets and hoses.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas and seal gaps around exterior wall penetrations.
• Keep indoor temperatures at 55°F or higher, even when you're not home.

Pair these steps with proper insulation, sealing, and allowing faucets to drip slightly to help safeguard your home this winter.

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