Winter brings its share of challenges—from snowed-in driveways to iced-over locks—but few are as disruptive as frozen pipes. Losing access to water, or worse, facing flooding from a burst pipe, is more than just inconvenient and can quickly lead to costly repairs. Fortunately, frozen pipes are largely preventable. With a few proactive steps, you can protect your home and avoid unnecessary stress and damage.
Heat Settings
One of the simplest ways to prevent frozen pipes is to set your thermostat properly. When you’re away from home, keep the temperature set to no lower than 55°F. This helps ensure warm air continues to circulate through your home and around your plumbing.
Sink Cabinets
Open cabinet doors in areas with exposed plumbing, such as under kitchen or bathroom sinks. This allows warm air to reach the pipes, especially when the thermostat is set lower or during extremely cold weather.
Insulate Pipes
Pipes located in unheated areas—such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces—are especially vulnerable to freezing. Insulating these pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape helps maintain a consistent water temperature and reduces the risk of freezing.
Seal Drafts
Cold air entering through small cracks or openings can quickly freeze nearby pipes. Inspect areas around windows, doors, and foundation penetrations for drafts, and seal gaps with caulk or insulation to keep cold air out.
Run Faucets
When you’re home, running lesser-used faucets periodically can help prevent freezing, as moving water is less likely to freeze. If you’re away during extremely cold weather, allowing faucets to drip slightly is an effective preventative measure.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Before cold temperatures arrive, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. If possible, shut off exterior water lines and cover outdoor spigots to prevent cold air from reaching your plumbing.
Get Expert Guidance
If you are looking for expert advice about your HVAC options in New England, contact the National Refrigeration team, and we will find the right solution for you.
Whether you need 24/7 emergency service or advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort—at home and work—call us at 401-737-2000 or email us.
