How to Prevent Pipe Freeze
- Morgan Williams
- Aug 18, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Frozen pipes are one of the most common and expensive winter disasters, costing U.S. property owners over a billion dollars in damages annually. In this post, we break down how to prevent pipe freezes and how Adiabat helps organizations turn weather data into actionable plans that reduce risk and protect infrastructure.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
Pipes freeze when exposed to prolonged subfreezing temperatures, typically below 20°F. Water inside the pipe begins to solidify, and as it turns into ice, it expands. This expansion increases pressure inside the pipe until it bursts.
Areas most vulnerable to pipe freeze include:
Unheated or poorly insulated spaces (basements, crawlspaces, attics)
Exterior walls with minimal insulation
Garages or utility rooms with exposed plumbing
Outdoor plumbing, such as garden hoses and irrigation systems
Most pipe bursts don’t occur while the water is frozen; they happen when the temperature rises again and water rushes through a damaged pipe, releasing gallons in minutes. This makes fast response and early prevention critical.
How to Prevent Pipe Freeze This Winter
Preventing pipe freeze doesn’t require expensive or full system upgrades. A few proactive steps can make a major difference, especially when freezing temperatures are forecast.
Here are practical ways to prevent pipe freezing:
Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the system and relieve pressure buildup. Even a slow trickle can prevent freezing.
Insulate exposed pipes in attics, basements, garages, or crawlspaces using foam pipe insulation, sleeves, or heat tape.
Open cabinet doors under sinks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, so warm air can circulate around the plumbing.
Keep the thermostat consistent, day and night. Avoid setting it lower than 55°F, even if you’re leaving home for a few days.
Seal cracks and gaps near doors, windows, and foundation vents that allow frigid air to enter unheated spaces.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior water lines if possible.
These actions are especially important during winter storms or arctic outbreaks. Even in warmer climates, cold snaps can cause unexpected freeze events, particularly in buildings not designed for freezing weather.
How to Know If Your Pipes Are at Risk of Freezing
If you’re wondering whether your pipes might freeze soon, consider the following risk factors:
Nighttime temperatures near or below 20°F, especially for two or more nights in a row
Uninsulated pipes in unheated or drafty areas of your home or building
Sudden loss of water pressure, which may indicate a frozen section of the pipe
Frost, condensation, or bulging on visible pipes or valves
History of past freeze issues in your building or neighborhood
If you suspect your pipes may already be frozen, act quickly:
Turn off the main water supply immediately
Use warm air to gently thaw pipes, like hair dryers, heating pads, or warm towels
Never use an open flame or torch to thaw pipes
Call a licensed plumber if you notice bulging, cracks, or signs of a rupture
Detecting the signs early can help prevent a frozen pipe from becoming a burst pipe.
What About Long-Term Prevention of Pipe Freeze?
If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or facility manager, it's worth planning. Here are long-term strategies to prevent pipe freezing in future winters:
Upgraded insulation in attics, crawlspaces, and exterior walls
Install smart thermostats and remote monitoring devices
Replace old or brittle pipes with modern, freeze-resistant materials (such as PEX)
Consider backup power or heating systems for critical locations
Develop cold-weather response protocols for your property or organization
Proactive planning, especially in vulnerable or high-occupancy buildings, can help reduce downtime and liability while protecting critical infrastructure.
That’s where Adiabat comes in.
We help clients translate complex weather and geospatial data, such as our advanced pipe freeze prediction model, into clear, actionable insights tailored to their operations, assets, and infrastructure. Whether you are an insurance provider assessing property risk, a utility managing vulnerable infrastructure, or an asset manager protecting high-value facilities, our experts support your decisions with:
Custom geospatial forecast and spatial analysis
Scenario planning for extreme weather events
Communication-ready graphics to support public safety and internal response
Our work supports clients facing real-world cold weather challenges, from arctic fronts to sudden freeze-thaw cycles, and helps them take the right steps at the right time.
Read more about preventing frozen pipes and protecting your property during winter using the following sources:
Red Cross - Preventing & Thawing Frozen Pipes: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html
Consumer Reports – How to Keep Pipes from Freezing: https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/home-maintenance-repairs/how-to-keep-pipes-from-freezing-a2277945570
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