01/21/2026
With an Arctic front moving south across the United States, homeowners should be especially mindful of the risk of frozen—and potentially burst—pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage and costly repairs, but a few proactive steps can greatly reduce the risk.
How to Help Prevent Pipes from Freezing or Bursting
Winterize outdoor plumbing: Each fall, completely drain water lines serving swimming pools and sprinkler systems. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off valves to outdoor hose bibs, and install insulated covers over exterior faucets.
Insulate vulnerable pipes: Pipes located in unheated or under-insulated areas—such as exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, basements, and garages—should be wrapped with fiberglass or foam pipe insulation.
Protect indoor plumbing: Open cabinet doors beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, especially those on exterior walls. Avoid closing off rooms or areas that contain plumbing during cold weather.
Maintain warmth in problem areas: During extreme cold, using a space heater on a low, safe setting in particularly cold areas can provide added protection. Always follow safety guidelines when using heaters.
Drain lines when possible: If you have plumbing lines that are rarely used or exposed to cold, draining them can further reduce freezing risk.
Advanced Protection Option
Consider installing a hot water recirculating pump with temperature monitoring. Connected to your water heater, this system automatically circulates warm water through both hot and cold lines when temperatures drop below a set threshold. This added layer of protection can help prevent freezing in hard-to-reach or especially cold sections of your plumbing system—offering peace of mind during severe winter weather.
Taking these precautions before temperatures plunge can help protect your home, prevent damage, and save thousands in unexpected plumbing repairs.
