When temperatures drop in the winter, your plumbing is at risk. Even a short cold snap can be enough to freeze your pipes—and when pipes freeze, they can burst. If that happens, the cleanup is just the beginning. Repairing the damage to your plumbing system can quickly become costly. 

Whether you’re new to winterizing your home plumbing or just need a quick refresher, here’s a practical guide on how to prevent frozen pipes before they ruin your winter.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

When water freezes, it expands. That expansion creates intense pressure inside your plumbing system, and if the pressure builds up too much, the pipe can crack or burst. This is especially common for pipes that are uninsulated or exposed to outside air.

Pipes in certain areas of the home are more vulnerable, including:

  • Exterior walls
  • Crawl spaces
  • Basements or garages
  • Under sinks 

Knowing where your risks are is the first step to preventing costly winter damage.

Quick Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes During a Cold Snap

If freezing temperatures are in the forecast, you can take a few quick steps to protect your plumbing right away:

  1. Let faucets drip slightly. This keeps water moving and helps prevent pressure from building.
  2. Open cabinet doors. Allow warm air to reach pipes under sinks, especially on exterior walls.
  3. Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher. Even if you’re away, don’t let the house cool down too much.
  4. Close your garage door. If your plumbing runs through or near the garage, keeping it closed helps trap heat and prevent pipe exposure.

These simple habits can go a long way when temperatures drop fast.

Long-Term Frozen Pipe Prevention

While quick fixes work in the short term, some strategies can help provide your plumbing with better protection all winter long:

  • Add insulation to exposed pipes. Foam pipe sleeves or wrap-around insulation can help keep your pipes warm.
  • Seal air leaks. Gaps around windows, vents, and sill plates can let cold air in and freeze nearby pipes.
  • Consider rerouting vulnerable plumbing. If the same pipe freezes every year, it might be worth relocating it deeper into your home’s heated space.

Proactive maintenance now can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Outdoor Spigots and Hose Bibs

One of the most commonly overlooked winter plumbing risks is your outdoor faucets.

Even if you have frost-free hose bibs, they aren’t immune to freezing. If a hose is left attached and water is trapped inside the pipe, it can freeze and expand, leading to cracks. Unfortunately, the damage may not show up until spring, when you turn the spigot back on and find water spraying inside your wall.

To protect your outdoor plumbing:

  1. Disconnect your garden hoses in early fall.
  2. Turn off the shut-off valve inside your basement.
  3. Leave the outdoor spigot open to allow any remaining water to drain.

Have you already noticed water damage? Don’t wait to get help. The team at PlumbPRO Services can provide a professional assessment of the damage, guidance on next steps, and a clear plan to restore your space quickly and safely.

Don’t Wait for a Freeze — Call PlumbPRO Services

If you’re not sure whether your pipes are properly protected—or if you’ve had freezing issues in the past—now is the time to act. Our team offers winterization and pipe inspection services across Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties.

Avoid the stress and cost of frozen pipes. Schedule your winter check with PlumbPRO today.