Single-digit temperatures put your home at risk for frozen pipes, furnace strain, heat loss, and costly water damage. The best protection is early preparation. Use this expert winter home maintenance guide to safeguard your plumbing, heating system, and exterior fixtures—and learn exactly what to do if your pipes freeze or burst.

1. Protect Your Pipes Before the Temperature Drops

Keep Water Moving to Prevent Freezing

Allow a slow drip from faucets, prioritizing faucets along exterior walls, to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Also consider bathrooms over garages, crawl spaces and basements.

Open Cabinets for Better Heat Circulation

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.

Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature

Always keep your thermostat above 65°F during extreme cold. Keep heat consistent overnight. If possible, maintain stable temps in basements and utility rooms.

Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Use pipe sleeves, fiberglass wrap, or heat cable (rated for indoor or outdoor use) on pipes located in:

• Under kitchen/bathroom cabinets along exterior walls
• Crawl spaces
• Garages
• Basements
• Attics

Pipe Insulation Options 




Heat Cable Options

2. Protect Exterior Faucets and Outdoor Plumbing

Disconnect Hoses Completely

This is non-negotiable. Even a small amount of water trapped inside a connected hose can freeze and burst interior pipes.

Install Insulated Faucet Covers

Foam faucet protectors provide cheap, effective insulation.

Shut Off Exterior Water Lines

If your home has a dedicated shutoff inside:

1. Turn it off.
2. Open the exterior faucet to drain lingering water.
3. Leave it open through the freeze.

3. Support Your Heating System During Extreme Cold

Replace Your Furnace Filter

Restricted airflow forces your furnace to work harder and can lead to system failure during the coldest days.

Check Vents, Registers, and Air Returns

Make sure nothing is blocking airflow.

Seal Drafts Around Windows & Doors

Options include:

• Use temporary plastic window film to cut drafts in older homes.
• Weatherstripping
• Door sweeps
• Thermal curtains
• Low-expansion spray foam around trim gaps

What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze (Step-by-Step Guide)

Scenario 1: Frozen Pipes With No Burst

• Keep faucet open.
• Warm the pipe using a hair dryer, space heater, or warm towels.
• Never use flames or torches.
• Increase room temperature.
• Call a plumber if you can't locate the frozen area.

Scenario 2: Frozen Pipe Likely Burst, But No Leak Yet

• Shut off water at the main valve.
• Turn off water heater.
• Open faucets to relieve pressure.
• Warm pipes only after water is off.
• Call a professional immediately.

Scenario 3: Pipe Burst With Active Leak

• Shut off main water supply immediately.
• Turn off electricity in affected area if water is near outlets.
• Drain remaining water.
• Begin cleanup.
• Document for insurance.
• Call a plumber immediately.

If You’re Traveling During Extreme Cold

• Keep thermostat at 65°F or higher.
• Shut off main water supply.
• Drain faucets.
• Ask someone to check the home daily.