Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe sleeves or heat tape rated for your area’s temperatures
Seal gaps and cracks around where pipes enter walls, floors, and foundations
Keep garage, crawl space, and basement areas warmer by insulating floors and blocking drafts
Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes on exterior walls
Maintain steady indoor temperatures (especially at night)
Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold, using a thin continuous trickle from the coldest tap
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off outdoor water supplies
Close indoor shutoff valves for outdoor spigots and drain remaining water from exterior lines
Use a frost-free sillcock for outdoor plumbing when replacing fixtures
If a pipe is likely to freeze, apply heat tape or a safe heat source early rather than after freezing starts
Keep water moving through rarely used lines by running a small amount periodically
Ensure adequate attic and wall insulation to prevent cold air from reaching plumbing
Repair leaking faucets or running toilets that can reduce freeze protection by keeping water moving unpredictably
Know your main shutoff valve location and ensure it works properly
If a pipe freezes, thaw safely using gentle heat (warm towels/hair dryer on low), starting at the faucet end; avoid open flames