Prevent Frozen Pipes: Winter Plumbing Checklist for Every Home

When temperatures plunge, a small ice plug can turn into a burst pipe and a big cleanup. We built this winter plumbing checklist so you can prevent freezes, thaw safely, and know when to call for emergency plumbing—day or night.

At Billy Rogers Plumbing, we handle frozen lines, leak detection, and burst repairs all winter long. The tips below are simple, code-conscious, and proven in real homes. Use them to protect your plumbing and your peace of mind.

Pre-Season Prep 🧰

Before the first hard freeze, do a quick walk-through. An hour now can save thousands later.

• Insulate exposed water lines

  • Prioritize pipes in attics, crawl spaces, garages, unheated basements, and exterior walls.
  • Use closed-cell foam sleeves (aim for R-3 or higher) on all cold and hot lines. Tape seams and elbows so there are no gaps.
  • For very cold areas, add fiberglass wrap over foam. Keep all insulation dry and intact.
  • Code note: The International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Residential Code (IRC) require protection of piping subject to freezing. Insulation and proper placement meet this intent.

• Seal air leaks and penetrations

  • Cold air moving around pipes is the fastest way to freeze them. Seal around hose bib penetrations, foundation gaps, dryer vents, and cable/utility penetrations with exterior-grade caulk or low-expansion foam.
  • Weatherstrip drafty garage doors and access hatches to attics or crawl spaces.

• Protect outdoor faucets (hose bibs)

  • Disconnect garden hoses and splitters; a connected hose traps water and breaks the faucet or piping.
  • Install insulated faucet covers on standard hose bibs.
  • Consider upgrading to frost-free (freeze-proof) sillcocks. These isolate the shutoff inside the warm side of the wall. Ensure a slight downward pitch outdoors so the faucet drains after you close it.
  • If there’s an indoor shutoff for the hose bib, close it and open the exterior faucet to drain.

• Service boiler and radiant systems

  • Have a licensed pro service hydronic boilers, radiators, and in-floor radiant heat before winter.
  • Verify the system pressure, vent trapped air, and check for leaks.
  • If your system uses a glycol (antifreeze) blend, confirm the freeze protection concentration matches your climate. Boiler backflow preventers should be tested to safeguard the potable water supply.

• Safeguard the meter, well, and sump areas

  • Keep meter pits closed and dry. Insulate the lid if allowed by your utility.
  • For well houses, insulate exposed piping and use a thermostat-controlled safe heat source—never open flames.
  • Confirm your sump pump operates and the discharge line is pitched to drain. Add a cold-weather check valve if needed to prevent ice backflow.

• Verify shutoff valves

  • Find and exercise your main water shutoff and key fixture shutoffs. A quarter-turn ball valve should move smoothly. If it sticks or leaks, schedule a repair.
  • Label the main shutoff so anyone can find it fast during an emergency.

• Check water heater settings and piping

  • Set water heater to 120°F for safety and efficiency. Insulate the first 6 feet of hot and cold lines leaving the heater.
  • If your heater is in a garage or unheated space, insulate the tank jacket (electric only), keep clearances, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Include drain and trap protection

  • Floor drains, basement utility sinks, and rarely used showers can evaporate and allow sewer gas into the home. Add a few cups of water or a small amount of plumbing-safe, non-toxic RV antifreeze to traps before extended cold.

• Heat cable and heat tape basics

  • Only use UL-listed, self-regulating heat cable designed for water pipes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Use a GFCI-protected outlet. Do not overlap cables or run them through walls where you can’t inspect them. Insulate over the cable only if the instructions allow.

• Document and plan

  • Snap photos of areas you insulated and valves you might need. Keep our contact handy for Emergency Plumbing near you when seconds count.

Authoritative sources we follow: International Plumbing Code (IPC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), International Residential Code (IRC), and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidance for electrical and space-heater safety.

Before a Cold Snap ❄️

When the forecast calls for a deep freeze or wind chill, take these steps 12–24 hours in advance.

• The drip strategy

  • Let a pencil-thin stream run from faucets served by vulnerable lines (exterior walls, rooms over garages, attics, crawl spaces).
  • Open both hot and cold slightly. Moving water is harder to freeze, and pressure relief reduces burst risk.
  • For multi-story homes, drip the highest fixture on the vulnerable run; also drip a basement or first-floor faucet to keep water moving throughout.

• Open cabinets and interior doors

  • Open sink base cabinets in kitchens and baths located on exterior walls. Warm air will reach the pipes.
  • Keep interior doors open so heat circulates to colder rooms.

• Maintain indoor temperatures

  • Set the thermostat to hold at least 55–60°F when you’re out; 65–68°F if you’re home during severe cold.
  • Do not lower the setpoint at night during a cold snap. Consistent heat helps walls and pipes stay warm.

• Secure garages and crawl spaces

  • Keep garage doors shut, especially if water lines run through or above the garage.
  • Close foundation vents and access doors. Add a temporary insulated cover over crawl openings.

• Heat tape safety check

  • Confirm heat cable indicator lights are on and cords are intact. Never use damaged heat cable.
  • Do not use extension cords unless the cable manufacturer allows it. Plug into a GFCI and keep connections off the ground.

• Prepare for outages

  • If a storm may cut power, stage towels, buckets, a flashlight, and our number. Know where the main water shutoff is.
  • For well systems, plan for how you’ll shut down the well pump to avoid running it dry.

• Extra protections for specific fixtures

  • Laundry rooms over unheated garages, bonus rooms over porches, and kitchen sinks on exterior walls are top freeze zones. Consider a small, safe, thermostat-controlled space heater in these rooms. Follow CPSC guidance: keep heaters clear of combustibles and never leave them unattended.

Thawing Safely 🔧

If a faucet slows to a trickle or stops, you may have a frozen pipe. Act early—before a burst.

• First steps

  • Leave the faucet open. Flowing water helps melt ice and relieves pressure.
  • Warm the room: raise the thermostat, open cabinet doors, and aim warm air into the space.

• Thaw an accessible pipe with a hair dryer

  • Start near the faucet or fixture and move the warm air slowly toward the coldest section. This allows melting water to escape rather than trapping pressure between ice plugs.
  • Keep the dryer moving; don’t concentrate heat on one spot.
  • If the pipe is behind a wall, try warming the wall surface and the room. Do not cut into drywall unless you are prepared for potential water release and electrical considerations.

• What not to use

  • Never use an open flame (propane torch, lighter). This is a major fire hazard and can damage piping or ignite framing and insulation.
  • Avoid heat guns near framing or insulation, and never leave them unattended.
  • Do not run space heaters in crawl spaces without supervision and ventilation. Keep them stable and clear of combustibles.

• Know when to stop and call a pro

  • You hear hissing, see a bulge, or find a split pipe.
  • You can’t locate the frozen section, or it’s inside a wall or ceiling.
  • Water stops flowing to multiple fixtures, or the main water line seems frozen.
  • There’s any risk of contact with electrical wiring.

• If a pipe bursts

  • Shut off the main water valve immediately. Open nearby faucets to drain pressure.
  • Turn off electricity to any wet area if you can do so safely.
  • Move valuables and place buckets or tarps to catch drips.
  • Call Billy Rogers Plumbing for emergency plumbing. We’ll guide you through next steps while we dispatch help.

Authoritative guidance for thawing is consistent with recommendations from the American Red Cross and code bodies like the IRC/IPC: use gentle, controlled heat and avoid ignition sources.

Vacation/Holiday Checklist 🎄

Traveling or hosting during the holidays? Use this checklist to prevent freezes while you’re away—or distracted.

• Whole-home shutoff

  • For trips longer than a few days, close the main water valve and run a faucet to relieve pressure. Set water heater to vacation mode (or lower setpoint if allowed).
  • If you need sprinklers or a house sitter to have water, leave the main on and close fixture-specific valves like the icemaker, washing machine, and outdoor faucets.

• Drain outdoor and exposed lines

  • Shut the interior supply to hose bibs and open exterior faucets to drain.
  • In homes with exterior shower lines or pool bathrooms, shut and drain those branches as well.

• Smart leak detection

  • Install battery-backed leak sensors under sinks, near the water heater, and by the washing machine. Consider an automatic shutoff valve with a temperature and leak sensor.
  • Choose devices with Wi‑Fi alerts so you can act fast even when away.

• Neighbor check-ins

  • Ask a neighbor to walk your home every few days during a cold spell. Have them run faucets, flush toilets, and verify heat is working. Share the location of the main water shutoff.

• Indoor temperature plan

  • Set your thermostat to hold 55–60°F. Open interior doors and key cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
  • If you use programmable setbacks, disable deep setbacks during your trip.

• Plumbing-specific to-do

  • Turn off washing machine valves.
  • Empty and disconnect garden hoses.
  • Check sump pump operation and verify discharge is clear.

Regional Nuance

• Southern homes with attic piping

  • Many Southern homes route water lines through vented attics. This is high risk during the first deep freeze.
  • Add foam sleeves plus fiberglass wrap, seal attic vents that drive wind onto pipes, and consider UL-listed heat cable on vulnerable runs. Keep attic access doors insulated and closed.
  • During a freeze warning, consider a controlled drip at fixtures fed by attic piping.

• Northern homes with basements

  • Focus on rim joists, sill plates, and pipes along foundation walls. Insulate rim joists and add pipe sleeves.
  • Keep basement windows closed and sealed. Maintain basement heat at or above 55°F.
  • If your meter or main is near a drafty corner, add insulation barriers and seal penetrations.

• Mobile and manufactured homes

  • Ensure skirting is intact and wind-tight. Repair gaps and add insulated panels where allowed.
  • Use heat tape rated for mobile homes on the main and branch lines, per manufacturer instructions. Plug into GFCI.
  • Insulate the belly and protect the water meter and shutoff from drafts.

Quick Safety Checklist 🧯

Save or print this quick list for cold snaps and frozen-pipe emergencies.

• Know and label your main water shutoff.
• Keep a hair dryer, extension cord, towels, and buckets ready.
• Open cabinet doors over exterior walls during severe cold.
• Let vulnerable faucets drip a pencil-thin stream.
• Never use open flames to thaw pipes.
• If water stops at multiple fixtures, call emergency plumbing right away.
• If a pipe bursts, shut off water, cut power to wet areas if safe, and call us.
• Photograph damage for your insurance claim.

DIY vs. Call a Pro 🛠️

Do it yourself if:

• The frozen section is exposed and easy to reach.
• You have a clear path to warm the pipe with a hair dryer or safe space heater.
• There are no signs of leaks, bulges, or electrical hazards.

Call Billy Rogers Plumbing if:

• The freeze is inside a wall, ceiling, or crawl where you can’t see it.
• You have PEX manifolds or complex branches and aren’t sure where the ice is.
• You hear hissing, see wet drywall, or the ceiling is sagging.
• You’re not confident using heat cable or safely working around electrical systems.
• You need leak detection, pipe repair, or help restoring water fast.

We’re licensed and insured, follow code, and provide upfront pricing for burst pipe fixes. We stand behind materials and labor with a clear warranty.

What Pros Do On Arrival 🚚

Here’s what to expect when a Billy Rogers Plumbing tech arrives for frozen or burst pipes:

• Assess and make safe

  • Confirm the main shutoff location and status.
  • Identify and control electrical hazards in wet areas.
  • Protect floors and furnishings with drop cloths and containment.

• Locate the freeze and leaks

  • Use thermal imaging, moisture meters, and pressure testing to pinpoint ice plugs and hidden breaks.
  • Check common trap points: near sill plates, attic runs, over-garage plumbing, and exterior-wall sinks.

• Controlled thawing

  • Apply safe, code-conscious methods: gentle heat, UL-listed heat cables, or professional-grade thaw machines where appropriate and safe.
  • Warm from the fixture back toward the freeze to relieve pressure as the plug melts.

• Repair and restore

  • Replace split sections with code-acceptable piping (copper, PEX, or CPVC depending on the system and local code).
  • Add isolation valves for future maintenance.
  • Insulate and seal around repaired runs to prevent repeat freezes.

• System checks and prevention

  • Verify flow and pressure at all fixtures.
  • Inspect water heater, boiler/radiant components, and exposed drains.
  • Recommend upgrades like frost-free hose bibs, backflow prevention, heat cable, and smart leak detectors.

• Clean-up and documentation

  • Provide a written summary of repairs and prevention steps taken.
  • Offer photos for your records or insurance claim.

Our team can also help with related services: leak detection, drain cleaning, toilet and fixture repairs, water heater repair/installation, sump pump repair, boiler repair, backflow testing, repiping, and gas safety checks where needed.

Prevention & Maintenance 🗓️

A little routine care keeps winter simple.

• Insulate and recheck each fall

  • Replace missing foam sleeves and re-tape seams. Look for gnaw marks, water stains, or drafts.

• Audit “freeze zones”

  • Rooms over garages, exterior-wall kitchens, and unconditioned utility rooms get special attention. Add insulation and air sealing until those areas feel less drafty.

• Test your shutoffs

  • Operate the main valve and fixture valves twice a year so they don’t seize. If a gate valve grinds or doesn’t close fully, discuss an upgrade to a quarter-turn ball valve.

• Water pressure matters

  • Excessive pressure stresses pipes. If your pressure is above 60–70 psi, consider a pressure-reducing valve. We can test and adjust during a routine visit.

• Backflow prevention and testing

  • Boiler fill assemblies and irrigation systems need working backflow preventers. Regular testing ensures contaminants can’t enter your drinking water.

• Service heating equipment

  • Keep boilers and hydronic systems tuned for steady heat. Make sure combustion air paths are clear and vents are intact.

• Smart monitoring

  • Install water sensors in high-risk spots: under kitchen sinks on exterior walls, by the water heater, in basements near the main, and in laundry rooms.
  • Consider an automatic shutoff valve that responds to leaks or freezing temperatures.

• Seasonal drain care

  • Keep outdoor area drains and sump discharges clear of leaves and ice. A blocked discharge can freeze and send water back toward your foundation.

• Know your material

  • Copper conducts heat and cold quickly; it freezes faster but is simple to thaw when exposed.
  • PEX tolerates expansion better, but fittings and manifolds can still crack. Insulate PEX runs near exterior walls.

• Gas and appliance safety

  • Never use ovens or grills for heat. If you smell gas, evacuate and call your utility and a licensed pro from a safe location.

Standards we align with: IPC/UPC for freeze protection and piping, IRC for building thermal envelope considerations, CPSC for space heater safety, and manufacturer manuals for heat cable and appliances.

Costs & Time Factors 💡

Every freeze and burst is unique, but these factors influence time on site and overall cost.

• Access and location
  • Exposed runs in basements or crawl spaces are faster to repair than lines inside finished walls or ceilings.
• Pipe material and size
  • Copper repairs involve cutting and joining; PEX repairs may be quicker but require compatible fittings and tools.
• Length of frozen section
  • Small, localized freezes might thaw in 30–60 minutes; long frozen runs can take several hours, especially in attics or slabs.
• Water damage and cleanup
  • Drying, demo, and restoration add cost and time beyond plumbing repairs. Consider calling your insurance early if there’s notable damage.
• After-hours service
  • Nights, weekends, and holidays can affect dispatch times and rates for emergency plumbing.
• Prevention upgrades
  • Adding insulation, heat cable, or frost-free hose bibs during the visit may add time but prevents repeat calls.

We provide clear, upfront pricing before work begins, explain options, and document repairs for your records.

When It’s an Emergency 🚨

Call for emergency plumbing right away if:

• You can’t find or stop a leak.
• A main line is frozen, and heat isn’t reaching the area.
• You see bulging pipes, rapid dripping, or ceiling sagging.
• A boiler or hydronic system is leaking or losing pressure quickly.
• There’s water near electrical panels, outlets, or appliances.

What to do while you wait:

• Shut off the main water valve and open a lower-level faucet to depressurize.
• Move furniture and electronics away from wet spots.
• Place buckets and towels to control drips.
• Photograph damage for your claim.
• Keep people and pets away from sagging ceilings and wet electrical areas.

Our licensed techs arrive with the tools to locate freezes, thaw lines safely, and repair bursts. If you searched “Emergency Plumbing near you,” you’re in the right place—Billy Rogers Plumbing is ready to help 24/7.

FAQ ❓

• How much should I drip a faucet during a freeze?

  • A steady pencil-thin stream is enough. Open both hot and cold slightly so both lines move.

• Can PEX freeze without bursting?

  • PEX can tolerate some expansion, but fittings and manifolds can crack, and prolonged freezing can still burst the pipe. Insulate and follow the same prevention steps.

• What temperature do pipes freeze?

  • Water starts freezing at 32°F, but pipes usually freeze when sustained temperatures drop below about 20°F—especially with wind and drafts. Poor insulation can cause freezing at higher temps.

• Is heat tape safe?

  • Use only UL-listed, self-regulating heat cable designed for water pipes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, plug into a GFCI, and never overlap cables.

Local/Seasonal Considerations 🌡️

• First hard freeze of the season

  • Many homes freeze during the first real cold snap because outdoor hoses are still connected and small drafts weren’t sealed yet. Do the quick checks now.

• Wind matters

  • Wind chill doesn’t change the temperature of still water, but moving air strips heat from pipes quickly. Draft-proofing is as important as insulation.

• Power outages

  • If heat goes out below freezing, shut off the main, open faucets to relieve pressure, and drain what you can. Protect traps with plumbing-safe antifreeze if you’ll be out for a while.

• Boil advisories and low pressure

  • After a municipal main break or freeze, utilities may issue boil-water advisories. Follow guidance from your local water authority and flush lines after service is restored.

• Multifamily and older homes

  • In condos and older buildings, shared walls and unheated shafts can hide problem lines. If neighbors lose heat, your lines may be at risk—drip vulnerable fixtures and notify building management quickly.

• Manufactured homes and cabins

  • Skirting and belly insulation are critical. Make sure the water entry, meter, and main shutoff are protected from wind and use listed heat cable where needed.

Citations we rely on when planning freeze protection: International Plumbing Code (IPC) Section 305 for freeze protection, Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) for materials and methods, International Residential Code (IRC) for insulation and air sealing guidance, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommendations for portable heaters, and American Red Cross winter safety tips.

At Billy Rogers Plumbing, we’re here with step-by-step help—from prevention to safe thawing to full repairs. Whether you need leak detection, pipe repair, water heater service, boiler repair, backflow testing, or full emergency plumbing, we’ve got you covered with licensed repairs, code-compliant methods, upfront pricing for burst pipe fixes, and a clear warranty on materials and labor.

Stay warm, stay safe, and save this checklist for the next cold snap.

Call Billy Rogers Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  1-877-478-7794 .