How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter: 10 Expert Tips

Pipes in unheated areas like attics, garages, and crawl spaces are most at risk. Wrap them with foam pipe insulation or heat tape, which you can find at most hardware stores. Pay special attention to elbows and joints where freezing often starts.

For a quick fix, use old towels or newspaper to wrap exposed pipes during a cold snap. This is not a permanent solution, but it can help in an emergency. Make sure insulation is dry and secure, and check it each winter for wear.

Cold drafts can freeze pipes even in heated spaces. Inspect around windows, doors, and where pipes enter your home. Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps and cracks that let in cold air.

Check for missing insulation in walls and floors near exterior pipes. If you live in Mesquite, keep a written record of your shutoff valve location and any areas that tend to get cold. This helps you act fast if a problem occurs.

If a pipe freezes, turn off the water at the main valve immediately. Then use a hairdryer or space heater to warm the pipe slowly, starting from the faucet end. Never use an open flame, as it can damage the pipe or start a fire.

If the pipe has already burst, shut off the water and call local water damage pros. They can extract water and dry your home to prevent mold. For help, see the pages on pipe leak detection and cleanup and burst pipe damage cleanup.

• Turn off the main water valve
• Warm the pipe slowly with a hairdryer
• Check for cracks or leaks as ice melts
• Call local water damage pros if a pipe bursts
• Take photos of any damage for your records