As you ready your house for the colder months ahead, don’t forget about your water system. When water freezes, it expands. So if the temperature of your pipes drops below 32 degrees, even for a short period, you run the risk of a pipe fracture or worse. Take the following precautions now to avoid a major headache later.
Winterizing Pipes Inside Your Home
Anywhere cold air blows on a pipe, it creates the potential for freezing. To make sure your pipes are well-insulated, close crawl space vents and stuff insulation over the openings. Even a tiny hole can let a lot of cold air blow in; make sure you fill in all the cracks.
A bathroom or laundry room located above or next to a garage can be particularly vulnerable, so keep the garage door closed to maintain maximum heat. If your bathroom pipes run along an outside exterior wall, try keeping the vanity door(s) open to allow heat inside. If you’re anticipating a deep freeze, consider using a fan to help circulate the air near the pipes, or purchase a small space heater for some extra temporary heat.
Finally, never turn off the heat when you leave home during the winter. Instead, set the temperature to at least 55 degrees F (higher if you’ve had problems in the past or live in an area of extreme cold). If you have multiple heat zones, be sure to adjust all thermostats appropriately.
I’ve learned from experience that even a single night of subfreezing temperatures can cause trouble if you’re not prepared. Last winter, I forgot to close a crawl space vent, and sure enough, a pipe in my basement got dangerously cold. To beef up protection, consider using foam pipe insulation sleeves, which are affordable and easy to install—most hardware stores sell them for a few bucks per foot. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulating pipes can reduce heat loss by up to 80%, which not only prevents freezing but can also lower your heating bill. If you’re in a region where temperatures regularly dip below 20 degrees F, it’s worth investing in heat tape for exposed pipes. Just make sure it’s UL-listed for safety, and follow the instructions to avoid any fire hazards. These small steps can save you hundreds, if not thousands, in repair costs from a burst pipe.
Winterizing Pipes Outside Your Home
Disconnect and store garden hoses. If your home has a separate shut-off for external faucets, turn it off and drain the water from those faucets. Turn off and drain sprinkler systems. You may want to call in a professional company to blow out any leftover water in the underground lines. A broken sprinkler pipe can do damage to the delicate components that make up the entire system, increasing the cost of repair.
Know where your main waterline shut-off is before problems arise. Depending on the age of your house, it can be inside a garage, basement or laundry room, or underground in your yard. After turning the water off, turn on faucets to allow the water to drain and release the pressure in your pipes.
One thing I’ve noticed is how often people overlook their outdoor faucets until it’s too late. A single frozen hose bib can lead to a cracked pipe, and repairs can easily cost $500 or more, depending on the damage. For extra protection, consider installing frost-proof outdoor faucets, which are designed to prevent freezing by placing the shut-off valve deeper inside the wall. They’re a bit pricier—around $50 each—but worth it for peace of mind. If you’ve got a sprinkler system, hiring a pro to blow out the lines might run you $75 to $150, but it’s a small price compared to replacing a damaged system. Also, take a moment to check your main shut-off valve annually. I once had a valve that was so stiff it took two of us to turn it! A little lubrication or a plumber’s help can ensure it’s ready when you need it.
Signs You Have Frozen Pipes
You turn on the faucet but nothing comes out. Look in the most likely places and use the techniques listed above to gently thaw the area. Whatever you do, do not use a blowtorch to warm up a frozen pipe. Many homes have been set on fire this way.
The water is turned off but you hear rushing water running anyway. This could be a sign that you have a leak somewhere. You should turn off the water lines immediately and investigate.
Dealing with frozen pipes can be a real pain, and I’ve seen it catch people off guard. If you suspect a frozen pipe, a hairdryer on a low setting can work wonders for thawing—just keep it moving to avoid overheating any one spot. Data from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety shows that burst pipes account for about 20% of all home insurance claims in winter, with average repair costs around $5,000. To avoid becoming a statistic, act fast but safely. If you hear that telltale rushing water, don’t wait—shut off the main valve and call a plumber. I’ve also found that installing a water leak detector near vulnerable pipes can be a lifesaver. These devices, which cost around $50 to $100, can alert you to leaks before they turn into a full-blown disaster.
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you’re selling or staying, everyone can get something out of a kitchen update. Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget.
While it might seem unrelated, a kitchen renovation can tie into your plumbing prep. Upgrading pipes during a remodel can prevent future headaches, especially in older homes. I recently helped a friend plan a kitchen redo, and we discovered their 50-year-old galvanized pipes were a ticking time bomb. Replacing them with modern PEX piping cost about $2,000 but saved them from potential water damage down the line. If you’re renovating, talk to your contractor about insulating pipes in the walls while they’re open—it’s much cheaper than tearing into drywall later. Plus, a 2024 report from the National Association of Realtors suggests kitchen upgrades can boost home value by up to 7%, making it a smart investment alongside your winterizing efforts.
