The short answer
Protect Your Pipes
Exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages, crawl spaces, and attics are most at risk. Wrap them with pipe insulation or heat tape, and close any vents that let cold air reach them. For extra protection, open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air circulates around the plumbing.
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, then shut off and drain exterior faucets. If you cannot shut off an outdoor valve, cover it with an insulated faucet cover. A small drip from indoor faucets can also relieve pressure, but do not rely on that alone to prevent freezing.
- Wrap pipes in foam insulation
- Close garage doors and attic vents
- Drain and store garden hoses
- Shut off exterior faucets
- Cover outdoor spigots with insulated covers
- Keep indoor temperature steady at 55 degrees or higher
Seal Drafts and Gaps
Cold air sneaks in through gaps around windows, doors, and foundation openings. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these spots. Pay attention to spots where pipes enter the house, as those gaps let cold air reach the plumbing.
Check the attic floor for unsealed holes around wiring and vents. A can of spray foam can fill those quickly. Sealing drafts not only protects pipes but also keeps your heating system from working harder than it needs to.
Know Your Shutoff Valve
Find the main water shutoff valve before a freeze hits. It is often near the water meter or where the main line enters the house. Write down its location and keep a wrench nearby. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water fast limits damage.
If you live in Daytona Beach, keep that shutoff location written down and easy to find. A freeze event is rare there, but being ready matters. Practice turning the valve so you know it works and how much force it needs.
Handle Indoor Plumbing
For interior pipes on exterior walls, open cabinet doors to let warm air reach them. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature day and night. Lowering it at night might save energy, but it also raises the freeze risk.
If you plan to be away, do not turn the heat off completely. Set it to at least 55 degrees. You can also shut off the water supply and drain the system, but that takes careful steps. A plumber can help you do that safely.
After a Freeze
If a pipe freezes, turn off the main valve and open the faucet closest to the frozen section. Use a hair dryer or warm towels to thaw it slowly, starting near the faucet. Never use an open flame. If you see cracks or water, shut off the water and call a plumber.
When pipes thaw, water damage can appear quickly on drywall, floors, and ceilings. If you notice damp spots or pooling water, act fast. Local water damage pros can inspect the area and handle drying and repairs. Their work usually involves removing damaged materials and drying hidden spaces.
- Turn off the main water valve
- Open faucets to relieve pressure
- Thaw pipes gently with a hair dryer
- Watch for leaks as pipes thaw
- Call a plumber for cracked pipes
- Contact water damage pros for wet drywall or floors
Talk to someone now
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Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I keep my house at during a freeze?
Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees, even when you are away. Keeping it steady prevents pipes from freezing. Lowering it at night to save energy can raise the risk. If you have pipes in unheated areas, consider a slightly higher setting.
Should I drip my faucets during a freeze?
Dripping faucets can help relieve pressure in the system, but it does not prevent pipes from freezing. It works well for pipes on exterior walls. Keep the drip slow and steady. Always combine this with insulation and sealing drafts for real protection.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve immediately to stop the flow. Then open all faucets to drain remaining water. Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near outlets. Call a plumber for the pipe repair, and contact the pros to handle wet drywall, flooring, and ceilings.