Quick answer: To winterize your plumbing and prevent frozen pipes: disconnect and drain garden hoses, insulate exposed pipes, cover outdoor faucets, seal drafts near plumbing, and on freezing nights let a faucet drip and open cabinet doors under sinks. A burst frozen pipe is one of the most expensive home disasters — and almost entirely preventable for under $50.
A licensed plumber’s full winterizing checklist, with the exact parts for each step.
Outdoor Faucets & Hoses (do this first)
Disconnect every garden hose — a connected hose traps water that freezes back into the spigot and splits the pipe. Add insulated faucet covers over outdoor faucets, and if you’re replacing any, frost-free spigots are the permanent fix.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap pipes in unheated areas — basement, crawlspace, garage, exterior walls — with foam pipe insulation. It’s a few dollars per length and slips right on.
Seal Drafts
Cold air hitting a pipe is what freezes it. Seal gaps where pipes pass through exterior walls with caulk or foam, and keep garage doors closed if water lines run through.
On Freezing Nights
Let a faucet drip slightly (moving water resists freezing), open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air in, and keep the heat at a steady temperature even when away.
Going Away for Winter?
Shut off the main and drain the system, or at minimum keep heat at 55°F+. A water leak detector or smart shutoff adds cheap insurance against a burst while you’re gone.
If a Pipe Freezes
Shut off the water, open the faucet, and thaw gently with a hair dryer or warm towels — never an open flame. See our emergency pipe repair guide if it has already burst.
FAQ
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Pipes are at risk when it drops below about 20°F (-6°C), especially exposed or uninsulated ones. Take action before a hard freeze.
Should I let my faucet drip in cold weather?
Yes — a slight drip on the coldest nights keeps water moving and relieves pressure, which helps prevent both freezing and bursting.
How do I winterize outdoor faucets?
Disconnect hoses, shut off the indoor valve to that line if there is one, drain the spigot, and add an insulated faucet cover.
Related: Summer plumbing checklist
Related: fix a leaking outdoor faucet.
When the thaw comes, run the other half of the seasonal routine, our spring plumbing checklist, to catch any winter damage early.
Related: if a pipe freezes anyway, here’s how to thaw a frozen pipe safely before it bursts.
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