How do you winterize a house so pipes don't freeze?

Author: Russel Smith  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Set the thermostat to at least 55° Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from freeze damage. Having your heating system inspected/serviced is always a good idea to ensure reliability and performance when needed.

How do you winterize your house to keep pipes from freezing?

How to Winterize Your Pipes
  1. Insulate Your Pipes.
  2. Disconnect Exterior Hoses.
  3. Shut Off the Main Water Valve.
  4. Blow Excess Air Out of Your Pipes.
  5. Drain Your Toilets and Water Heater.

What temperature should I keep my house in winter so pipes don't freeze?

But while a lower temperature may reduce your heating bill, it could mean disaster if a cold temperatures hit, and your pipes freeze and burst. This doesn't mean you have to keep your house as warm as normal — any temperature 55 degrees or higher is appropriate to keep your pipes safe.

How do you insulate pipes so they don't freeze?

How to Prevent Pipes Freezing
  1. Insulate Water Pipes in Exposed Areas. ...
  2. Install Foam Pipe Sleeves. ...
  3. Seal Crawl Space. ...
  4. Use Heating Tape. ...
  5. Insulate Pipe Gaps. ...
  6. Consistent Thermostat Settings. ...
  7. Insulate Your Crawl Space. ...
  8. Leave the Heat On When Traveling.

How do I protect my house from frozen pipes?

Prevent Frozen Pipes
  1. Set home thermostats above 55 degrees during cold weather.
  2. Drip cold water in farthest faucet from your main valve. ...
  3. Find shut off valves for emergencies.
  4. Insulate pipes in unheated areas.
  5. Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes.
  6. Close inside valves that control the water supply.

10 PROVEN Methods to Keep Your Water Pipes from Freezing this Winter

Should I leave my attic door open during a freeze?

Open your attic trap door to help keep the temperature in your attic the same as in the rest of the house and prevent pipes freezing.

How do people up north keep their pipes from freezing?

Generally, houses in northern climates are built with the water pipes located on the inside of the building insulation, which protects the pipes from subfreezing weather.

What is the best pipe wrap to prevent freezing?

Foam pipe sleeves, commonly made from flexible, lightweight foam like polyethylene or rubber, are a user-friendly insulation option for outdoor water pipes. Designed to fit snugly, they provide an effective thermal barrier, helping to maintain water temperature and reduce the risk of freezing.

How to winterize a house without heat?

Steps to winterize your vacant house
  1. Shut off the water at the street. ...
  2. Give some attention to your water heater. ...
  3. Open up the lowest faucets on your property. ...
  4. Drain the system. ...
  5. Pour environmentally safe, biodegradable antifreeze into each of the drains. ...
  6. Tape the toilets shut and post signage.

Which house pipes most likely to freeze?

No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are: Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.

Will my pipes freeze if my heat is on 65?

Don't turn your thermostat down below 65 degrees during extreme cold. Further drops in temperature could be enough to cause a problem, especially inside walls where pipes are located. Your heating bill may go up a little, but that's better than an expensive repair job if a pipe freezes and bursts.

Is 72 too high for a thermostat in winter?

68 to 72 degrees is a temperature range that is not too warm or cool, and is sufficient enough to warm up the home just enough so that everyone is comfortable regardless of the type of clothing they have on.

What temperature should you leave your house so pipes don t freeze?

Pipes run the risk of freezing at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if they're not insulated, but most insulated pipes start to freeze at 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

How many faucets to drip?

In general, you should let at least one faucet drip in each section of your home.

Can you put antifreeze in your pipes?

Antifreeze for homes is a liquid that contains chemicals that lower the freezing point of water, protecting pipes and other plumbing components from bursting. Without anti-freeze, residual moisture in plumbing systems can freeze and expand, causing cracks in the pipes, joints, or other fittings in a plumbing system.

Will bubble wrap keep pipes from freezing?

If insulation is not an option, consider wrapping them with rags, newspapers, trash bags, plastic foam, or bubble wrap.

Should I drip my faucet?

The reason it's important to let your faucets drip is because water expands as it freezes. If the water is in a container, even something such as a plastic or metal pipe, as it freezes, the water will create pressure back on that container as it becomes ice.

How do Alaskans keep their pipes from freezing?

Allowing a small quantity of water to continually move through the pipes usually prevents freeze-up. Opening taps just enough to cause them to drip fast is another freeze prevention technique.

How do you build a house so pipes don't freeze?

In some cases, an investment of a few dollars to protect at-risk pipes could save you thousands of dollars, not to mention the heartbreak and hard work that comes with a burst pipe. For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas.

How do I winterize my home?

9 tips for winterizing a house
  1. Prevent ice dams by inspecting your roof and attic. ...
  2. Insulate pipes. ...
  3. Insulate your attic. ...
  4. Weather-strip and insulate the doors and windows to seal air leaks. ...
  5. Inspect the furnace and chimney. ...
  6. Protect your deck and patio. ...
  7. Clean out your gutters. ...
  8. Purchase winter supplies.

Should you keep bedroom door open or closed in winter?

Yes, open doors are generally better in winter to maintain a consistent temperature. They allow your heating system to distribute warm air evenly across rooms, improving comfort and efficiency while preventing energy waste.

How to prevent water pipes in attic from freezing?

Airseal The Attic

The cold air that passes through small gaps and holes on the walls causes the temperature to drop inside the home, which could potentially freeze indoor pipes. Airseal your attic by locating holes that let cold air in. Use spray foam insulation to seal holes, window cracks, or openings on doors.

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