Winter Pipe Protection: Keeping Your Home and Neighborhood Safe This Season
As temperatures begin to drop, homeowners should take time to prepare their plumbing systems for cold weather. Frozen and burst pipes are among the most common—and costly winter home repairs. They can cause water loss, structural damage, and unnecessary strain on the community’s water system.
Taking preventive action before the first hard freeze can save time, money, and frustration later. Here’s what you need to know about why pipes freeze, how to protect them, and what to do if one does.
Understanding Why Pipes Freeze
When temperatures fall below freezing, the water inside pipes can solidify. As it freezes, water expands and creates pressure inside the pipe walls. If the pressure becomes too great, the pipe can crack or burst—sometimes in multiple locations.
The risk is highest for:
- Outdoor spigots and garden hose connections
- Pipes in unheated areas like attics, garages, basements, and crawl spaces
- Pipes running along exterior walls where insulation is minimal
- Vacant homes where heating systems are turned down or off
Even a small crack from a frozen pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water once thawed. This not only causes damage inside your home but also increases demand on the local water supply and wastewater systems.
Indoor Pipe Protection Tips
Inside your home, simple steps can prevent freezing:
- Insulate exposed pipes — Wrap pipes with foam sleeves or fiberglass insulation, especially in areas like under sinks, along outside walls, or in unheated basements.
- Keep cabinet doors open — On particularly cold nights, open the doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
- Allow a small trickle of water — Running water, even at a slow drip, can help prevent freezing by keeping water moving through the pipes.
- Maintain a consistent indoor temperature — Keep your thermostat set no lower than 55°F, even if you’re leaving home for a few days.
- Seal drafts and leaks — Use caulk or insulation to seal gaps around windows, doors, and wall penetrations where cold air can enter near pipes.
Outdoor Plumbing and Yard Preparation
Outdoor plumbing and irrigation systems are especially vulnerable to cold weather:
Disconnect and drain garden hoses — Leaving hoses attached can trap water inside outdoor faucets, causing them to burst.
Install faucet covers — Insulated covers or wrap-around insulation materials provide an extra layer of protection for outdoor spigots.
Shut off and drain sprinkler systems — Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or contact your irrigation professional to winterize your sprinkler lines.
Locate and insulate your backflow preventer — If your irrigation system has one, ensure it’s drained and properly protected from freezing.
What To Do If a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a faucet and only a small trickle of water comes out, it could mean a pipe is frozen.
Here’s what to do:
- Keep the faucet open — As the frozen section begins to melt, running water will help thaw it faster.
- Apply gentle heat — Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towel. Start warming the pipe near the faucet and work back toward the frozen section.
- Never use open flames — Torches, lighters, or gas heaters are dangerous and can cause fires.
- If you can’t find the frozen area, call a licensed plumber — They can safely thaw the pipe and check for damage.
If a pipe bursts, immediately shut off your home’s main water valve and call a plumber or your local water utility for emergency assistance.
Protecting Vacant or Seasonal Homes
If you plan to travel or own a property that won’t be occupied this winter:
- Shut off the main water supply and drain all pipes by running faucets and flushing toilets.
- Leave cabinet doors open and set the thermostat to at least 55°F.
- Ask a trusted neighbor or caretaker to periodically check the property, especially during extended cold spells.
Community Impact: How Your Preparation Helps Everyone
When individual homeowners protect their plumbing, it benefits the entire community. Burst pipes can lead to large, sudden water losses that lower system pressure and increase treatment costs for everyone. During hard freezes, multiple leaks can also strain your Utility District’s infrastructure and water supply.
By taking steps to insulate, drain, and protect your plumbing, you help:
- Reduce unnecessary water loss
- Preserve steady water pressure for fire protection and household use
- Preventing flooding and contamination risks
- Lower long-term maintenance and repair costs for the District Stay warm, stay prepared, and protect your pipes this winter.
Winterizing your plumbing system is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your home and contribute to the reliability of your community’s water system. With a few hours of preparation now, you can prevent days—or weeks—of inconvenience and expensive repairs later.
For more information on water safety, leak detection, and emergency contact information, please visit your local Utility District’s website or contact the District office.