Things You Can Do Now to Protect Pipes from the Cold

In case you haven’t heard….the extended forecast shows some cold, freezing nights headed our way soon. Brrrr.

Here are some things that you can – and should – do now to help prevent your pipes from freezing.

INSIDE. Pipes on exterior walls are usually the most vulnerable. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of heat to raise the temperature above freezing. Try these things:

Open the door. If any sink is next to an outside wall or in a colder room, open the cabinet door so the warmer air in the room reaches the pipes. Open your washing machine and dishwasher doors.

Light the lamp. Put a lamp with an incandescent bulb near any exposed pipe, making sure it doesn’t touch anything.

Open the tap. Again, leave faucets to drip just a bit.

Run the water. Turn on the water every few hours, especially during the night. Turn on all spigots, flush toilets, and run water into washing machine and dishwasher. PRO TIP: You can also program your dishwasher and washing machine to start running during the night.

Seal Up Drafts and Air Leaks. Cold drafts can cause pipes to freeze faster. Check around windows, doors, sill plates, and areas where plumbing enters your home. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal even small gaps.

OUTSIDE. It’s going to freeze outside. The important thing to do is to try to keep water flowing, and taps open to relieve the pressure on pipes if they do freeze.

Insulate Pipes. Pipes in unheated areas—like crawl spaces, attics, basements, and garages—are the first to freeze. Wrapping them with foam pipe insulation provides a quick, affordable layer of protection. If you want extra security, consider heat tape for vulnerable lines.

Detach the hose. Make sure that all garden hoses are unattached.

Wrap the spigots. Wrap the spigots with cloth or insulation or you can place a foam faucet cover over each outdoor spigot after you’ve disconnected the hose.

Open the tap. Turn the tap on to a drip. (Don’t forget to turn it off after the weather warms up a bit!)

Fill the hole. Use bits of insulation or even towels to plug any spaces around your foundation, especially around pipes.

Maintain Your Heating System. A well-functioning HVAC system doesn’t just keep you warm—it keeps your pipes safe. If your heater fails during a cold snap, your plumbing becomes instantly vulnerable.

Winter pipe damage is often preventable with simple steps taken in advance. By preparing your home now, you’ll enjoy peace of mind, lower repair costs, and a warmer, safer winter season.

If you need help winterizing your home or business, stop by Southside Building Center for everything you need—before the real cold arrives!

From insulation to caulking, we can help you keep the heat inside your home, and the cold outside – where it belongs!