How do I prevent pipes from freezing?
By Bob Millaway, South Jersey Community Expert & REALTOR®
Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to reach pipes. Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, at least 55 degrees, day and night. Seal gaps and cracks where cold air reaches pipes. Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off outdoor spigots.
Why It Matters
Frozen pipes expand and can burst, causing catastrophic flooding and expensive water damage repairs. Prevention is simple and much cheaper than cleanup.
Related Questions
Need Professional Help?
Bob recommends reaching out to a trusted local professional.
Plumbing ProfessionalsPlumbingExplore South Jersey with Bob
Living here is about more than the house. Bob's community guides help you find the right town, compare neighborhoods, and keep up with what's happening across Burlington County and South Jersey.
Still Need Help?
Bob answers every question personally. Send your question directly to him.
Ask Bob Directly