Mid-Winter Water Pipe Preservation Tips: Protect Your Pipes from Freezing!

February 01, 2026

As the winter chill settles in, it’s essential to remember that the cold weather can cause more than just discomfort. One of the most common and costly winter problems homeowners face is frozen or burst water pipes. Frozen pipes are a real concern, especially during the coldest months of the year when the temperature regularly dips below freezing. A burst pipe can result in significant water damage and expensive repairs. Thankfully, with a few simple precautions, you can protect your pipes and avoid these winter headaches.

Here are some mid-winter water pipe preservation tips to help keep your pipes safe and sound throughout the season:

Insulate Exposed Pipes

One of the best ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is by insulating them. Pipes located in unheated areas such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing.

Pipe insulation: Purchase pipe insulation sleeves or foam pipe insulation at your local hardware store. This low-cost investment will help keep the cold at bay and provide an extra layer of protection.
Insulate the walls: If you have plumbing running along exterior walls, consider adding extra insulation to those walls to reduce the chance of freezing.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Cold air can easily sneak in through gaps, cracks, and openings around windows, doors, and vents, chilling your pipes. These areas are often overlooked, but sealing them can significantly improve your home's ability to retain heat.

Seal openings: Check for any gaps around windows, doors, or pipes entering the home. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or foam sealant to block these cold air entry points.
Protect vents: Make sure that any vent openings are properly sealed or insulated to prevent cold air from circulating near your pipes.

Let Faucets Drip

During extremely cold spells, it's a good idea to allow your faucets to drip slightly. Running water is much less likely to freeze than stagnant water, so even a small drip can prevent pipes from freezing.

Drip the faucet: If you know there’s going to be a particularly cold night or several days of freezing temperatures, leave a faucet slightly open to maintain water flow. This is especially important for faucets located on exterior walls or near unheated areas.

Keep the Heat On

If you’re heading out of town for a few days or spending time away from home, don't turn the heat off completely. Even if you're not home, it's essential to keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F to prevent freezing temperatures from affecting your pipes.

Adjust your thermostat: Keeping your home at a consistent temperature will help maintain warmth around the pipes, preventing them from freezing.
Consider space heaters: If you have particularly vulnerable areas, like an unheated garage or basement, use a space heater to keep those areas warm and protect the pipes.

Open Cabinet Doors

When temperatures plummet, pipes located in cabinets or under sinks can become especially cold. Open the cabinet doors underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.

Keep cabinets open: If you have sinks on exterior walls, open the cabinet doors during the night or during particularly cold days. This will allow warm air from your home to reach the pipes and reduce the risk of freezing.

Keep an Eye on Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets, or hose bibs, are particularly prone to freezing since they are exposed to the elements. If not properly winterized, these faucets can cause significant issues when they freeze and burst.

Disconnect hoses: Make sure to disconnect and drain all garden hoses before winter sets in. Leaving hoses attached to outdoor faucets can trap water in the line, leading to freezing.
Install faucet covers: Consider using insulated faucet covers or "sock" covers specifically designed for outdoor faucets. These covers provide a protective barrier from the cold.

Know How to Thaw Pipes Safely

Despite your best efforts, sometimes pipes will still freeze. If you find yourself with frozen pipes, it's important to thaw them safely to avoid damage.

Use a hair dryer: Start by gently warming the frozen section of pipe with a hair dryer. Begin at the faucet end and work your way toward the frozen area.
Apply warm towels: You can also wrap towels soaked in warm water around the frozen pipe. Avoid using open flames (like torches) to thaw pipes, as they can cause damage and pose a fire hazard.
Call a plumber: If you're unable to thaw the pipe or the pipe has already burst, it's crucial to call a professional plumber to assess and fix the problem.

Shut Off the Water If You Leave Town

If you're going to be away from home for an extended period, take the extra precaution of shutting off your home's water supply at the main valve.

Turn off the water: Shutting off the water at the main valve ensures that no water is flowing into your home, reducing the risk of water damage from a burst pipe while you're away.

Protecting Your Pipes Now Can Save You Big Later!

Taking a few simple precautions now to protect your water pipes from freezing can save you from costly repairs down the road. Frozen pipes are preventable, and by following these preservation tips, you'll ensure that your home remains warm and your plumbing system stays intact through the cold winter months.

Stay warm, stay safe, and most importantly, keep those pipes flowing!