How to prevent frozen pipes

Before winter

Remove and drain hoses; close the inside valve to each outdoor hose faucet and leave the outside faucet open to drain; drain sprinkler lines per the installer Insulate pipes in unheated areas (basement, crawl space, attic, garage, cabinets on exterior walls); consider pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape Find your main water shutoff (and well pump breaker) and make sure it works (general advice, not from the Red Cross)

During a cold snap

Let cold water drip from faucets on exposed pipes Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warm air reaches the pipes Keep garage doors closed if water lines run there Away from home? Keep the heat at 55°F or higher

If a pipe freezes

Keep the faucet open, and apply heat with a hair dryer, heating pad or space heater kept away from flammables. Never use a blowtorch or any open flame Can't find it, can't reach it, or can't thaw it? Call a licensed plumber. If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water (general advice)

Print checklist

• Know where the main shutoff is, and where the well pump breaker or disconnect is, before a freeze emergency.
• Heat tape should be UL-listed and installed per the product instructions — incorrect heat tape is a fire risk.
• Never thaw with an open flame or torch. Red Cross guidance points to safe heat sources such as a hair dryer or heating pad kept away from flammables, or calling a plumber when you cannot locate or reach the freeze.
• If a pipe bursts, shut off the water supply (and power to a submerged well pump if applicable) and call a licensed plumber.

Primary thaw/prevent checklist: American Red Cross — Frozen Pipes.