8 DIY tips to keep your outdoor water pipes from freezing.

1. Consider insulating all exposed pipes.

Even before the temperatures drop, insulate your outdoor pipes to protect them from extreme cold. Focus on areas with exposed pipes, such as outdoor areas, crawl spaces, and basements. But don't forget the pipes along your exterior walls, as well. These areas are most susceptible to the cold and can affect the water inside your pipes.

You can wrap heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables around the pipe. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guide on operating and installing them.

Related: How long does it take for pipes to freeze?

2. Cover all pipes properly.

If you want your plumbing insulation to work properly, you need to cover all pipes completely — from fittings to fixtures and all other exposed parts. Make sure the cover fits snugly around your plumbing and is taped securely. Double-check that no water leaks could saturate the insulation, making all your efforts go to waste.

3. Disconnect all garden hoses.

Before winter even hits, it’s best to disconnect your outdoor hoses and drain any remaining water from the pipes that lead to outside faucets. Close the inside valves that supply the water to the outdoors. Open the outside hose bibs to allow the water to drain, reducing the chances of your exposed pipes freezing.

4. Drain the water from your swimming pool.

If you’ve got a swimming pool, drain the pool, following the instructions from the manufacturer or installer. Avoid putting antifreeze in them (unless directed). Antifreeze can be environmentally harmful and dangerous to humans, pets, animals, and more.

5. Cover outdoor water spigots.

When temperatures start to freeze, your pipes and water spigots are in danger of getting damaged. Covering them will help prevent damage to your pipework.

Wrap the pipe and faucet in an insulated bag or box made from fiberglass, rubber, or foam. This will help protect the plastic and metal materials from the cold. Protecting the spigot correctly traps heat around it, keeping it from frosting and preventing the cold from traveling down your pipelines and freezing the water.

Related: 7 signs you have frozen pipes in your home.

6. Turn off your sprinkler system.

When you take the necessary steps to winterize your home — including your outdoor pipes — don’t forget your sprinkler. Turn it off entirely or set it to manual. Make sure it won’t run while temperatures are below 32° Fahrenheit, the freezing point. If so, your entire sprinkler system and other exposed pipes may freeze.

7. Let water drip from your faucet.

If you’ve got an indoor faucet served by outdoor pipes, you need to keep water running through the pipe so it won’t freeze. You don’t have to turn it on full blast — just a trickle allows water to flow through your water supply line, preventing your pipes from freezing.

8. Shut off the water.

If you’re leaving home for a while, consider shutting the water off at the main valve. Make sure every adult (and even the older children) in your household knows where the main water valve is. It's good for everyone to know how to operate it so they can shut it off in case of an emergency. When your water has a sudden leak, shutting it off via the main valve can also help reduce damage to your home.

How do you keep your indoor pipes from freezing?

Keeping your indoor pipes safe is a matter of keeping your entire house warm. It helps to insulate your pipes, but also make sure your indoor temperature is warm enough. Even before winter begins, you may want to do a walk-through of your home. Check for drafts through cracks and openings that you can repair or crawl spaces you can weather strip and caulk.

You may also consider getting energy-efficient windows to keep your home warm and insulated throughout the winter. And if you’re going away for a little while, get a trusted friend or neighbor to check up on your home frequently, just to ensure that everything is fine.

Read more about how to keep your indoor pipes from freezing.

How to thaw frozen pipes.

What should you do when the worst happens, and your outdoor pipes are frozen?

You’ll need to thaw your outdoor pipes with the help of a heat source, such as an electric hair dryer, heating pad, or a portable space heater. Any heat source will do as long as it isn’t an open flame. It will take some time for the warm air to thaw the pipe, so be patient. Apply heat until the full water pressure returns and water flows through your pipes smoothly again.

Read more about how to thaw frozen pipes.

Get help with protecting your exterior pipes.

Don’t wait till it is too late. Keep your exterior pipes in good condition even before winter comes.

If you aren’t sure what to do to keep your outdoor pipes in good condition or what materials to use to prevent frozen pipes, download the Thumbtack app and find a professional plumber near you. They will help protect your pipes to keep them from freezing in the winter.

FAQs.

What can you cover outside pipes with to prevent freezing?

When temperatures plummet, your outside pipes are in greater danger of freezing and bursting. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to prevent accidents like this is by covering your pipes. Use pipe insulation materials like foam or fiberglass — available at your local hardware store.

Should I turn off the water if the pipes are frozen?

If your pipe is frozen, you need to be careful when thawing it in case you already have a burst pipe. The water could come flowing out and flood your home.

Before doing anything else, shut off the main water valve. You can try to thaw your pipes or get a professional to do it for you.