12/14/2025
If there’s a real risk of frozen pipes tonight, act now. Here’s a clear, prioritized checklist—start 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 you’ll 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
• ❌ Don’t use open flames or space heaters near pipes
• ❌ Don’t shut off water unless pipes are already frozen
• ❌ Don’t 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
