How do I keep pipes from freezing?
Drain and disconnect exterior hoses, insulate piping in unheated spaces, keep a minimum indoor temperature when travelling, and know where the main shutoff is.
Last reviewed 2026-07-15
The pipes most at risk run through unheated garages, crawlspaces, attics and exterior walls. Cabinet doors opened under sinks on exterior walls let warm air reach that plumbing during extreme cold.
A slow trickle from a vulnerable fixture during a severe cold event reduces the chance of a freeze, at the cost of some water use.
What to check first
- Hoses disconnected and hose bibs drained
- Insulation on exposed piping in unheated areas
- Crawlspace vents and any missing insulation
- Thermostat minimum setting before travel
- That the main shutoff turns freely
When to call a professional
- A pipe has already frozen and you cannot locate or safely isolate it
- You suspect a burst inside a wall or ceiling
- Thawing would require an open flame — never use one