Frozen pipes · winter
Frozen-pipe kit: pipe sleeves, heat cable, faucet covers and a freeze alert
Water expands as it freezes, and that pressure can break metal or plastic pipes. The pipes that freeze most often are outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines, supply pipes in unheated basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages and kitchen cabinets, and pipes on exterior walls with little insulation. (American Red Cross) Ready.gov's winter checklist includes learning how to keep pipes from freezing. (Ready.gov)
Compare the five frozen-pipe picks
Safety first: thawing, burst pipes and heat cable
- Never thaw a pipe with an open flame. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open-flame device. Safer heat: an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, a hair dryer, a portable space heater kept away from flammable materials, or towels soaked in hot water. Keep the faucet open while you thaw. (American Red Cross) (Maine MEMA)
- If a pipe bursts, shut off the water and call a plumber. Know how to shut off the water in case pipes burst; stopping the flow can minimize damage. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent. (Maine MEMA) If you suspect frozen pipes, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve; if you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, call a plumber. (Michigan MI Ready)
- Can't find or reach the frozen section? Call a licensed plumber. (American Red Cross)
- Watch for shock near water. Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water. (Michigan MI Ready) (Maine MEMA)
- Heat cable: listed products, used as intended. Use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cable approved by an independent testing organization such as Underwriters Laboratories, only for its intended use (exterior or interior), and follow the maker's installation instructions. (Michigan MI Ready) The Red Cross also suggests pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape or heat cable on exposed pipes. (American Red Cross)
Free steps before you buy anything
- Remove, drain and store outdoor hoses; close the inside valve to each hose bib and leave the outside bib open to drain. (American Red Cross)
- In very cold weather, let cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors (move cleaners out of children's reach), and keep garage doors closed if supply lines run there. (American Red Cross)
- Keep the thermostat at the same setting day and night; if you travel, leave the heat on no lower than 55°F. (American Red Cross) (Maine MEMA)
- Seal leaks that let cold air reach pipes, such as gaps around wiring, dryer vents and pipes. (Michigan MI Ready)
- Away for a while? Have someone check daily that the heat is on, or shut off and drain the water system. Michigan notes that shutting off water also deactivates a home fire-sprinkler system. (Maine MEMA) (Michigan MI Ready)
Five frozen-pipe picks (paid links)
As an Amazon Associate, Shortell Designs earns from qualifying purchases. Links marked (paid link) go to Amazon. We did not test these products; facts come from each Amazon listing.
Pipe sleeves
Armacell TundraSeal self-sealing foam pipe insulation
Four 1 in. x 3 ft. sleeves with a 1/2 in. wall; fits 1" copper or 3/4" iron pipe; fire retardant; for hot and cold water lines (per the Amazon listing). Measure your pipe first: sleeves are sized to pipe diameter.
Armacell TundraSeal 1 in. pipe insulation, ASIN B08KSP42KS (paid link)
UL-listed heat cable
Easy Heat AHB pipe heating cable with thermostat
UL listed; built-in thermostat, grounded plug and power indicator light; 7 W per foot at 120 V; for rigid plastic and metal pipes; keeps water flowing down to -40°F (per the Amazon listing). Check the cable length shown on the listing before you buy, and follow the installation instructions.
Easy Heat AHB019A pipe heating cable, ASIN B01MYFU0PI (paid link)
Faucet covers
Frost King FC1 outdoor faucet cover, 2-pack
5/8-inch expanded polystyrene shell with a 3/4-inch one-piece foam gasket; comes fully assembled; reusable season after season (per the Amazon listing). Drain the hose bib first (Red Cross).
Frost King FC1 faucet cover 2-pack, ASIN B01251Q67W (paid link)
Freeze alert · no hub
Temp Stick Wi-Fi temperature and humidity sensor
No subscription; app, email and unlimited text alerts at thresholds you set; runs on 2 AA batteries; stores up to a month of data if Wi-Fi drops; 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only (per the Amazon listing). Useful for a cabin, crawl space or a home you leave empty.
Freeze alert · budget
GoveeLife Wi-Fi thermometer with gateway and alarm
App, email and 80 dB buzzer alerts when temperature leaves a range you set; reads -40°F to 158°F; the included gateway supports up to 10 sensors (per the Amazon listing). Sold as a fridge thermometer; the listing says it can also watch rooms.
GoveeLife Wi-Fi thermometer + gateway, ASIN B0DZCRNP9J (paid link)