Preventing Frozen Pipes: Winter Plumbing Prep for Homeowners

Winter can sneak up on you. One night, your home is toasty. The next, your pipes are in danger of freezing solid. At McIntosh Plumbing, we know the mess and stress a frozen pipe can cause. Water damage. Expensive repairs. Sleepless nights listening for drips and creaks.

There are steps every homeowner can take—right now—to protect their plumbing from winter’s icy grip. Let’s break it down together, so you can breathe easy, even when the temperature drops.

Why Pipes Freeze 🧊

Water is stubborn. When it gets cold, it expands. If water inside your pipes freezes, it pushes outwards—like a soda can left in the freezer. Eventually, the pipe can’t take the pressure. It cracks. Sometimes it bursts, sending water everywhere when things thaw.

But not every pipe is equally at risk. Most trouble starts when outside temperatures dip below 20°F (-6°C), according to the International Code Council. Wind chills, poor insulation, and long cold snaps all pile on the risk.

At-Risk Areas

Frozen pipes don’t happen at random. Certain spots in your home are much more vulnerable:

• Basements and crawl spaces: Out of sight, out of mind—and out of the way of your heating system.
• Attics and garages: Often unheated, with thin exterior walls.
• Under sinks: Especially those on exterior walls.
• Outdoor spigots and hose bibs: The first to freeze and crack.
• Laundry rooms: Especially in older homes with little wall insulation.

Walk through your home. Picture where the cold sneaks in. That’s where your pipes need the most attention.

Step-by-Step Winterization

Give yourself a head start this winter. Here’s a simple plan to prep your plumbing:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Wrap vulnerable pipes with foam pipe insulation. Look for areas near exterior walls, in unheated spaces, or anywhere you’ve felt a chill. For extra-cold regions, add pipe heating cables and secure with electrical tape (following manufacturer instructions).

2. Seal Up Drafts

Cold air loves to find cracks. Use caulk or expanding foam around pipes entering the home, especially in basements and crawl spaces. Check windows, vents, and doors for leaks.

3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Unscrew garden hoses. Shut off and drain outdoor spigots using inside shutoff valves. If your home has frost-proof faucets, check them annually.

4. Keep the Heat On

Even if you’re away, set your thermostat no lower than 55°F (13°C). Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes.

5. Let Faucets Drip (When Necessary)

On the coldest nights, let a thin stream of cold water trickle from faucets served by exposed pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze.

6. Schedule a Professional Inspection

A thorough check by a plumber can reveal hidden risks. Thermal imaging, leak detection, and pressure tests find trouble before it strikes. McIntosh Plumbing offers these services as part of our emergency plumbing and preventative maintenance packages.

Emergency Frozen Pipe Checklist

Here’s a quick, printable list for your fridge or toolbox:

• [ ] Inspect exposed pipes for insulation gaps.
• [ ] Seal cracks and drafts near plumbing.
• [ ] Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain spigots.
• [ ] Open cabinets under sinks on cold nights.
• [ ] Set thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C).
• [ ] Let faucets drip during deep freezes.
• [ ] Know your main water shutoff location.
• [ ] Keep plumber’s emergency number handy.
• [ ] Schedule pre-winter plumbing inspection.

Product Suggestions for Homeowners

You don’t need fancy gadgets to protect your pipes. These essentials do the trick:

• Foam pipe insulation sleeves
• Self-regulating heat cables
• Caulk or expandable foam sealant
• Weather stripping for windows and doors
• Portable space heaters (for garages or crawl spaces—use safely)
• Pipe wrap tape

Always follow product instructions and local code requirements. The U.S. Department of Energy offers helpful guides on home insulation and weatherization.

What To Do If Pipes Freeze

You’ve prepped, but pipes still froze? Here’s what to do:

Act Fast, Stay Calm

• Turn on the faucet. A trickle relieves pressure and helps melting.
• Warm the pipe. Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or warm towels. Start near the faucet and work towards the coldest section. Never use open flames.
• Check for leaks. If a pipe has burst, shut off your main water supply immediately.
• Call emergency plumbing services. Professionals have specialized thawing equipment and can assess for hidden damage.

When to Call for Emergency Plumbing

Sometimes DIY just isn’t enough. Call McIntosh Plumbing if:

• You spot leaks or bulging pipes
• No water comes from faucets after thawing attempts
• You’re unsure where the freeze is
• You need water shut off and professional repairs

Timely action limits water damage and costly repairs. Don’t wait—emergencies can escalate quickly.

Regional and Climate Differences

Winter in Minnesota is nothing like winter in Georgia. But frozen pipes can happen anywhere if a sudden cold snap hits. In milder climates, pipes are often less insulated, making them more vulnerable when temperatures dip unexpectedly.

• Northern regions: Focus on attic, garage, and crawl space pipes.
• Southern regions: Pay special attention to exterior walls and uninsulated pipes.
• Mountainous or rural areas: Be mindful of well lines and septic connections.

No matter where you live, regular inspections and simple upgrades make a difference.

The Value of Professional Inspections

Think of a plumbing inspection like an annual check-up for your home. Plumbers spot weak points, aging pipes, and subtle leaks. They can advise on upgrades like Water Filtration Systems near you, check your sump pump, and test backflow prevention devices.

Building codes and safety standards change. Professionals stay up to date with the latest National Plumbing Code and local guidelines. Regular check-ins catch small issues before they turn into emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pipes are frozen?

If only a trickle—or no water at all—comes out when you turn on a faucet, a pipe may be frozen. Look for frost on visible pipes, or bulges and strange noises in your plumbing.

Can I use salt or chemicals to thaw pipes?

Never pour salt or chemicals into your pipes to thaw them. These can damage plumbing and are potentially unsafe. Stick with gentle heat and call a plumber if you’re unsure.

What if I’m away from home during a cold snap?

Ask a neighbor to check on your home, or install a smart thermostat and leak detection sensors. Leave the heat on, and consider draining your water system for long absences.

Should I upgrade my insulation or repipe old plumbing?

If your home is older or you’ve had frozen pipes before, new insulation or repiping can be smart long-term investments. A professional can recommend solutions based on your home’s age and layout.

Final Thoughts: Take Winter Plumbing Seriously

Don’t let frozen pipes catch you off guard this winter. A little preparation goes a long way. Whether you need pipe insulation, Water Heater Repair, or emergency plumbing, McIntosh Plumbing is here when you need us most.

Call McIntosh Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  888-835-0389 .