How Do You Prevent Pipes From Freezing?

Pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages are the most vulnerable. Wrap them with foam pipe insulation, which you can find at any hardware store. Pay extra attention to elbows, joints, and areas near exterior walls where cold air sneaks in.

Fiberglass wrap or heat tape also works for harder-to-reach spots. Make sure the insulation is snug with no gaps, because even a small exposed section can freeze. Check the insulation each fall and replace any that is torn or damp.

• Use foam tubes sized to match your pipe diameter
• Cover all fittings and valves, not just straight runs
• Secure insulation with tape or zip ties
• Add extra layers in unheated corners
• Replace worn or water-stained insulation before winter

When temperatures are expected to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, let a faucet run at a thin stream. Moving water is harder to freeze than still water. Open the cabinet doors under sinks so warm room air reaches the pipes.

Focus on the faucet farthest from your main water line, since that pipe has the longest exposure. The drip can be as small as a pencil lead. You can collect the water in a bucket for plants or other uses, but do not let it go to waste if water is scarce.

Disconnect garden hoses and drain sprinkler systems before the first freeze. Shut off the outdoor water supply from inside your home if you have a valve. Open the outdoor spigot to let remaining water drain out.

For seasonal homes or cabins, drain the entire plumbing system and add antifreeze to toilets and traps. Know where your main shutoff valve is located, and label it so you can find it quickly in an emergency. If a pipe does freeze, turn off the water right away to limit damage.