Overview
- Plumbers recommend a steady drip of both hot and cold at selected faucets, prioritizing one upstairs and one downstairs or the fixture farthest from the meter.
- Keep indoor temperatures at or above 55°F, open cabinet doors, and insulate exposed lines to protect pipes in unheated or exterior-adjacent spaces.
- Disconnect garden hoses, shut off and cover outdoor spigots, and use tightly wrapped towels with tape if you lack faucet or pipe covers.
- Let fixtures on exterior walls, including showers, run at a steady trickle throughout periods of subfreezing temperatures.
- If pipes freeze or power goes out, shut off the main supply, thaw lines with gentle heat only, and follow generator and electrical safety to prevent fires and carbon monoxide.