Feature Story

Preventing Frozen Pipes This Winter: Essential Tips and Tricks

By Benjamin Aug 07, 2026

How To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

How to Keep Pipes from Freezing This Winter
How to Keep Pipes from Freezing This Winter

Watch as This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shares some ways to keep your pipes from freezing this winter .

4PCS Pipe Insulation Foam Tube Self Adhesive Exterior Water Pipe
4PCS Pipe Insulation Foam Tube Self Adhesive Exterior Water Pipe

Water pipes that freeze and rupture in the winter can be dangerous and expensive to repair. Learn to thaw frozen pipes and prevent them in the future.

5 Simple Tips to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter

Pipe Insulation Wrap 2 4 Wide X 32 8 Ft Outdoor Foam and Foil Pipe
Pipe Insulation Wrap 2 4 Wide X 32 8 Ft Outdoor Foam and Foil Pipe

Follow this checklist to prevent water pipes from freezing during frigid weather, from setting the thermostat and letting water drip, to DIY insulation

During the cold weather of fall and winter , knowing how to stop pipes from freezing becomes ever more important. Luckily, frozen pipes and subsequent leaks are more than preventable if you take the correct steps and precautions now.

5 Winter Plumbing Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
5 Winter Plumbing Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

How to prevent your pipes from freezing in winter weather

Don't pay the price for frozen pipes this winter . These tips will help protect your home's pipes in cold, winter weather.

How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing Once the temperature starts dropping outside, you should take measures inside to keep your pipes warm and water running.

Air Jade Pipe Insulation Foam Tube Thick Insulated Foam Pipe Wrap
Air Jade Pipe Insulation Foam Tube Thick Insulated Foam Pipe Wrap

How to prevent frozen pipes during a winter storm

Frozen pipes can burst and cause expensive water damage. Use this step-by-step checklist to protect your plumbing before a freeze, thaw pipes safely, and know when to call a pro.

READ MORE: How to Safely Unfreeze PVC Pipes : A Step-by-Step Guide Seasonal Checklist to Prevent Pipes from Freeze Below are bite-sized tasks grouped seasonally — do the first block before freeze season, the second during a hard freeze, and the final after any freeze. Pre- winter (do this 1-2 months before first freeze) Insulate exposed pipes : foam sleeves for short runs, and consider ...

5 Pack Insulating Foam Tubes 1 2 x 6 ft Black Pipe Covers with PVC
5 Pack Insulating Foam Tubes 1 2 x 6 ft Black Pipe Covers with PVC

What You Can Do Now to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

Burst pipes can cost thousands to repair. Here's what you can do now to keep them from freezing , and steps to take if you do have to thaw them.

Winterize Pipes In 6 Steps with Guarantee Restoration
Winterize Pipes In 6 Steps with Guarantee Restoration
Cholila Cover Backflow Preventer Cover Insulated 5 F 20 W x 26 H
Cholila Cover Backflow Preventer Cover Insulated 5 F 20 W x 26 H
8PCS Pipe Insulation Foam Tube Self Adhesive Exterior Water Pipe
8PCS Pipe Insulation Foam Tube Self Adhesive Exterior Water Pipe
PipeInsulation Foam Tube 8pcs Aluminum Foil and Elbow Pipe Insulation
PipeInsulation Foam Tube 8pcs Aluminum Foil and Elbow Pipe Insulation
8 Pack Elbow Pipe Insulation Foam Tube Outdoor Wrap Black Pipe Covers
8 Pack Elbow Pipe Insulation Foam Tube Outdoor Wrap Black Pipe Covers

The Red Cross provides information and suggestions about how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing , and how to thaw them if they do freeze.