Tips to Protect Your Pipes in Freezing Weather
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors
Allow warm air to circulate around plumbing, especially if your sinks are located on exterior walls.
Drip faucets if necessary
If freezing temperatures are expected for an extended period, let faucets along exterior walls drip slightly to help prevent frozen pipes. A slow, steady drip—no wider than a pencil lead—is sufficient.
Wrap pipes in unheated areas
Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages, and unheated basements. Use insulating tape or molded pipe sleeves, covering all exposed pipes, fittings, and valves.
Protect outdoor pipes and faucets
If your home has a separate shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, close it, remove hoses, and drain the line. If not, insulate exterior faucets with newspapers, rags, or foam covers available at local hardware stores.
Winterize your sprinkler system
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining and shutting down your sprinkler system. Turn off the controller and drain the backflow device before freezing temperatures arrive.
If you’re leaving home for an extended period
Turn off the main water shut-off valve, drain all faucets and fixtures, flush toilets, and turn off the water heater. Leaving your furnace set to a low temperature can help prevent freezing.
Know where your main water shut-off valve is located
In the event of a pipe burst or other emergency, quick access to your main shut-off valve can minimize water damage.