15 Quick Fixes to Stop Your Pipes from Freezing Tonight
Frozen pipes can cause serious damage to your home, leading to costly repairs and water damage. When temperatures drop suddenly, you need quick and effective solutions to keep your pipes from freezing.
This guide provides 15 actionable steps you can take tonight to protect your plumbing and avoid a disaster.
1. Keep Faucets Dripping
A slow, steady drip keeps water moving, making it harder for pipes to freeze. Focus on faucets along exterior walls and in unheated spaces. Even a small trickle can prevent costly repairs.
If you’re worried about water waste, consider placing a container under the dripping faucet and using the collected water for plants or other household needs. For added safety, let both hot and cold water drip, as hot water lines can freeze just as easily as cold ones.
2. Open Cabinet Doors
Pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks are vulnerable. Open the cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around the pipes, helping to maintain a stable temperature.
To increase effectiveness, you can place a small space heater near the open cabinets (on a low setting) to provide additional warmth. Just be sure to follow all safety guidelines for heater use.
3. Maintain a Consistent Thermostat Setting
Set your thermostat to the same temperature during the day and night. A small increase in heating costs is far cheaper than repairing burst pipes. Experts recommend keeping your home at least 55°F (13°C) even if you’re away.
If your home has a programmable thermostat, override any settings that lower the temperature at night during extreme cold spells. Also, ensure your heating system is in good condition before winter starts.
4. Seal Cracks and Openings
Cold air sneaking into your home increases the risk of frozen pipes. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows, doors, and areas where pipes enter your home.
A commonly overlooked area is where plumbing lines enter through floors or walls. To prevent cold drafts, seal these openings with spray foam insulation or caulk.
5. Apply Heating Tape
Heating tape wraps around pipes and provides direct warmth. It is available with a self-regulating or manual switch. To prevent overheating, follow manufacturer instructions and avoid overlapping.
Heating tape is especially useful for crawl spaces, basements, and garage pipes. Some brands come with built-in thermostats that turn on automatically when temperatures drop.
6. Add Extra Insulation
Insulating exposed pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass can help keep them warm. Pay attention to pipes in basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces.
If you don’t have insulation materials on hand, you can also wrap pipes with newspaper and duct tape as a temporary solution.
7. Use a Space Heater in Vulnerable Areas
A space heater can help maintain a safe temperature for pipes in particularly cold spots. Always follow safety guidelines and never leave space heaters unattended.
Place the heater on a level surface away from flammable materials. If using an electric heater, plug it directly into an outlet rather than using an extension cord.
8. Disconnect Garden Hoses and Shut Off Outdoor Valves
Water left in outdoor pipes can freeze and cause internal plumbing to burst. Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and shut off the outdoor water supply.
For extra protection, install insulated faucet covers on outdoor spigots. These are inexpensive and provide an additional barrier against freezing temperatures.
9. Insulate Garage Doors
If water lines run through your garage, keep the garage doors closed. Adding insulation can provide extra protection.
Consider installing a garage heater or weatherstripping around the garage door edges to further reduce cold air infiltration.
10. Install Pipe Insulation
Foam pipe insulation sleeves are affordable and easy to install. They help keep pipes warm in unheated areas.
Cover all exposed pipes, including those under sinks and in utility rooms. Insulation alone will not prevent freezing in extreme cold, but it will significantly reduce the risk.
11. Utilize Heat Lamps
A heat lamp can provide direct warmth to pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or under sinks. Keep a safe distance to prevent fire hazards.
If using a heat lamp in a crawl space, ensure it’s positioned securely and away from flammable materials like wood or insulation.
12. Keep Interior Doors Open
Keep interior doors open to let warm air flow freely through your home. This ensures heat reaches pipes hidden behind walls or inside cabinets.
This is particularly important for rooms that tend to stay cooler, such as guest rooms or storage areas.
13. Seal and Insulate Ductwork
Leaky ductwork can cause cold spots that put nearby pipes at risk. Sealing and insulating ducts improve overall heating efficiency.
Check for gaps in ductwork, especially in basements and attics, and use foil tape or mastic sealant to close them.
14. Close Foundation Vents
Foundation vents allow cold air into crawl spaces. Close them during winter to keep temperatures more stable inside your home.
If your crawl space has exposed pipes, consider adding insulation or a space heater for added protection.
15. Use a Hair Dryer for Thawing
If a pipe is frozen, gently thaw it with a hair dryer. Start near the faucet and work back toward the frozen section. Never use an open flame.
Alternatively, you can wrap the pipe in warm towels soaked in hot water or use a heating pad to gradually thaw the ice.
Additional Tips & Preventative Measures
| Quick Fix | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Dripping faucets | High |
| Opening cabinet doors | Medium |
| Space heaters | High |
| Heating tape | High |
| Insulating pipes | High |
| Sealing gaps | Medium |
| Closing foundation vents | Medium |
Turn off the main water supply to prevent bursts if your pipes freeze. Call a plumber if you can’t locate or safely thaw a frozen pipe.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my pipes are frozen?
If you turn on a faucet with only a trickle or no water, your pipes may be frozen.
2. What temperature do pipes start freezing?
Pipes start freezing at 32°F (0°C), but the risk significantly increases at 20°F (-6°C) or lower.
3. Will a dripping faucet prevent all pipes from freezing?
It helps, but it’s best combined with other preventative measures like insulation and heating.
4. What should I do if my pipes freeze?
Turn off the water supply, apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, and call a plumber if needed.
5. Can I use boiling water to thaw frozen pipes?
No, sudden temperature changes can crack the pipes. Use a hair dryer or heating tape instead.
6. Should I leave my heat on when away in winter?
Yes, keep your home at a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
7. Do pipes in newer homes freeze less often?
Not necessarily. Even well-insulated homes can experience frozen pipes if exposed to extreme temperatures.
Conclusion
Preventing frozen pipes doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking quick action tonight, you can protect your plumbing and avoid expensive repairs. Implement as many of these tips as possible to keep your home safe through winter.
