Frozen Pipe Prevention: How to Get Through a Cold Snap

TL;DR: A frozen pipe can burst and flood a home. Four simple habits get your plumbing safely through extreme cold.

_Last reviewed: July 2026 · 2 min read_

A frozen pipe is dangerous because the ice expansion can split the pipe, and you don't find out until it thaws and floods. Preventing it during a cold snap takes four easy habits: let faucets drip, open cabinets, hold a steady temperature, and thaw safely if needed.

Should I let faucets drip in cold weather?

Yes — let faucets drip during extreme cold. A trickle of moving water is far less likely to freeze, and an open faucet relieves the pressure that actually bursts a pipe even if ice forms. Drip the faucets farthest from where your water enters, and especially any served by pipes on exterior walls.

Why open cabinet doors on cold nights?

Pipes under sinks — especially on exterior walls — sit in cold, closed cabinets. Open the cabinet doors on very cold nights so household heat reaches them. It's a small thing that keeps the most vulnerable pipes (kitchen and bathroom supply lines) a few critical degrees warmer.

Should I lower the thermostat when away in winter?

Not too far. Keep the thermostat consistent, even when you're away — never below about 55°F. Cranking the heat way down to save money lets pipes in walls and unheated spaces freeze, and a burst pipe costs far more than the savings. Consistent warmth is cheap insurance against a flood.

How do I thaw a frozen pipe safely?

If a pipe freezes, open the faucet it feeds and thaw it gently with a hairdryer, heat lamp, or towels soaked in warm water — never an open flame. A torch can burst the pipe or start a fire. Work from the faucet end toward the frozen section. If you can't reach it or it's already burst, shut off the water and call a plumber. Insulating those pipes ahead of time helps most.

Track your cold-weather plan

Logging your winterizing steps keeps the whole house protected. Okoniq Property Hub keeps it with your home maintenance records in one private place — alongside winterizing outdoor faucets.

Frequently asked questions

Which pipes freeze first?

Pipes in unheated spaces (basements, attics, garages, crawlspaces) and along exterior walls, plus outdoor faucets and sprinkler lines. Those deserve insulation and extra attention.

How do I know a pipe is frozen?

No or barely-a-trickle water from a faucet in cold weather, frost on a visible pipe, or odd smells from the drain. Act fast — open the faucet and start thawing before it bursts.

Okoniq Property Hub helps homeowners and landlords keep maintenance, bills, and contractor info in one calm place. Get started free.

FAQ

At what temperature should I start letting faucets drip?

Start dripping faucets when overnight temperatures are forecast to drop below 20°F, or whenever a hard-freeze warning is issued for your area. Homes in warmer climates with less insulation may need to drip at slightly higher temperatures.

How much does it cost to run faucets dripping all night?

A slow drip—about five drips per minute—uses roughly one gallon per day per faucet, costing under a dollar for a typical cold snap. That's far less than the thousands a burst pipe and flood damage will cost in repairs and insurance deductibles.

Can a frozen pipe thaw on its own without bursting?

Yes, some frozen pipes thaw naturally when temperatures rise and never burst, but you won't know if yours will until it's too late. The safest approach is to thaw it gently yourself and check for leaks, rather than waiting and hoping.

Should I shut off the main water if I'm leaving during a cold snap?

Shutting off the main water and draining the system is smart if you'll be gone more than a few days in freezing weather—even with the heat on, a power outage could still freeze pipes. Leave cabinet doors open and keep the thermostat at 55°F minimum if you leave water on.