How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

A burst pipe from freezing can cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Prevention is far easier and cheaper than repair. Here's how to protect your pipes before winter hits.

Which Pipes Are at Risk?

Pipes most likely to freeze:

• Pipes in unheated spaces — basement, crawl space, attic, garage
• Pipes along exterior walls with little insulation
• Outdoor hose bibs and irrigation lines
• Pipes in cabinets on exterior walls (under kitchen and bathroom sinks)

Prevention Method 1: Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipe insulation is the most effective long-term prevention for pipes in unheated spaces:

👉 Pipe insulation foam wrap — 2 inch x 14 ft, fits copper, PVC, and AC lines. Slips over the pipe and seals with the built-in adhesive strip. Install on all exposed pipes in unheated areas.

How to install:

1. Measure the pipe diameter and buy matching insulation
2. Slit the foam along the pre-cut line and snap it around the pipe
3. Seal the seam with the adhesive strip or pipe insulation tape
4. Overlap sections by 1–2 inches at joints and elbows

Prevention Method 2: Install Heating Cable

For pipes in extremely cold areas or where insulation alone isn't enough:

👉 Self-regulating pipe heating cable — 6 ft, 120V, works down to -40°F. Wraps around the pipe and plugs into a standard outlet. Self-regulating — uses more power when colder, less when warmer. Safe to leave on all winter.

How to install:

1. Wrap the cable in a spiral around the pipe
2. Secure with cable ties every 12 inches
3. Cover with pipe insulation foam for maximum effectiveness
4. Plug into a GFCI outlet

Prevention Method 3: Winterize Outdoor Faucets

1. Disconnect and drain all garden hoses before the first freeze
2. Turn off the indoor shut-off valve for outdoor faucets
3. Open the outdoor faucet to drain remaining water
4. Install insulated faucet covers on outdoor hose bibs

Prevention Method 4: Keep Cabinet Doors Open

On very cold nights, open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls. This allows warm household air to circulate around the pipes.

Prevention Method 5: Let Faucets Drip

During extreme cold snaps (below 20°F / -7°C), let faucets on exterior walls drip slightly. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. Even a slow drip prevents freezing.

Prevention Method 6: Keep the Heat On

If you're leaving home in winter, never set the thermostat below 55°F (13°C). The cost of heating is far less than the cost of a burst pipe.

Bottom Line

Insulate exposed pipes with foam wrap, install heating cable in the coldest areas, winterize outdoor faucets, and keep cabinet doors open during cold snaps. These steps take a few hours in the fall and can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage all winter.