12/14/2025
If thereās a real risk of frozen pipes tonight, act now. Hereās a clear, prioritized checklistāstart at the top and do as many as you can.
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Do these immediately
1. Keep the heat on
⢠Set thermostat toC/68°F (or higher if your home is drafty)
⢠Open interior doors so warm air circulates
2. Let faucets drip
⢠Choose the faucet farthest from where water enters the house
⢠A slow, steady drip (both hot and cold if possible) relieves pressure
3. Open sink and vanity cabinets
⢠Especially those on exterior walls
⢠This lets warm air reach the pipes
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Insulate vulnerable areas
4. Wrap exposed pipes
⢠Use pipe insulation, towels, rags, or even newspaper
⢠Focus on: basements, crawlspaces, garages, under sinks
5. Seal cold air leaks
⢠Close garage doors
⢠Stuff towels or blankets under doors and around drafts
⢠Close foundation vents if you have them
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If youāll be away or asleep
6. Do NOT turn heat down
⢠Nighttime temp drops are the biggest risk
⢠Consistent heat is safer than cycling on/off
7. Know your shutoff valve
⢠Locate it now in case a pipe bursts
⢠Make sure it turns freely
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What not to do
⢠ā Donāt use open flames or space heaters near pipes
⢠ā Donāt shut off water unless pipes are already frozen
⢠ā Donāt rely on UV or heat lamps (fire risk)
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If a pipe is already frozen
⢠Turn on the faucet (relieves pressure)
⢠Warm the pipe gradually with:
⢠Hair dryer
⢠Heating pad
⢠Warm towels
⢠Never use a torch or open flame