How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Your New England Home (Updated for 2025)
Originally published December 16, 2014 • Refreshed November 2025
A frozen pipe isn’t just inconvenient—it can burst and cause thousands in water damage. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reports frozen pipes lead to over $5 billion in U.S. claims annually. The good news? As your local heating contractor serving New Jersey and beyond, Tom Rostron has helped hundreds of homeowners avoid this nightmare with simple, proven steps.
8 Proven Ways to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing
- Keep Your Home Above 55°F (Even When Away) Never drop the thermostat below 55°F—cold air finds pipes fast. On bitterly cold nights, bump it to 60°F in vulnerable areas like basements or garages.
- Why it works: Water freezes at 32°F; consistent warmth keeps pipes safely above that threshold.
- Let Faucets Drip Under Pressure Open cold-water faucets on exterior walls to a slow drip during sub-20°F nights. Moving water resists freezing.
- Pro tip: Focus on faucets farthest from the main (e.g., upstairs bathrooms or kitchen sinks).
- Open Cabinet Doors for Air Circulation Allow warm room air to reach pipes under sinks by leaving cabinet doors ajar—especially on exterior walls.
- Bonus: Place a small fan nearby to push heat into the space.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes Use foam sleeve insulation ($1–$2 per foot) or heat tape ($20–$50 per roll) on pipes in unheated areas.
- DIY install: Slide sleeves over pipes; secure heat tape with electrical tape and plug into a GFCI outlet.
- Safety note: Only use UL-listed heat tape; never overlap coils.
- Seal the “Chimney Effect” in Basements & Crawlspaces Cold air enters below and rises through the house, freezing upstairs pipes. Insulate rim joists and air-seal penetrations.
- Tom Rostron fix: Our free home energy audit identifies leaks in 30 minutes. [Diagram: The “chimney effect” explained: Stop it at the source.]
- Maintain or Upgrade Your Heating System A struggling furnace can’t combat extreme cold. Annual tune-ups prevent breakdowns when you need heat most.
- Upgrade option: High-efficiency boilers keep basements warmer with less energy.
- Schedule a tune-up →
- Drain Outdoor Lines & Shut Off Exterior Faucets Close indoor valves to hose bibs, open outdoor spigots to drain, and leave them open all winter.
- Don’t forget: Disconnect and drain garden hoses; store indoors.
- Use Space Heaters Safely (Tested Models) Place a ceramic space heater in unheated areas—but never unattended.
- Consumer Reports pick: Lasko Ceramic Heater (auto shut-off, tip-over protection).
What If Your Pipes Freeze? Safe Thawing Steps
- Shut off the main water valve (know its location—usually near the meter).
- Open the affected faucet to relieve pressure.
- Apply gentle heat: Use a hair dryer (low setting), heating pad, or warm towels. Start near the faucet and work toward the frozen section.
- Never use open flame (torches, propane heaters)—risk of fire or burst.
- If you see a burst: Keep water off; call Tom Rostron 24/7 at (603) 669-7080.
[Image: Homeowner using hair dryer to safely thaw frozen pipe. Caption: Safe thawing: Hair dryer on low, moving slowly along the pipe.]
FAQ: Frozen Pipe Prevention
How cold does it have to be for pipes to freeze? Below 20°F for 6+ hours increases risk, especially in uninsulated areas.
Can I use a space heater in the basement? Yes—with tip-over protection and 3-foot clearance from combustibles.
When should I call a professional heating contractor? Recurring freezes, visible leaks, or if you’re uncomfortable with DIY insulation.
Need Help This Winter?
Don’t wait for a burst. Tom Rostron premium home services offers 24/7 emergency service and free winter prep audits for local homeowners.
Get Your Free Pipe Risk Audit →
“Tom Rostron insulated our crawlspace last fall—no frozen pipes even during the January bomb cyclone!” — Sarah M., Concord, NH
Questions? Call your trusted heating contractor at (732) 374-9949 or contact us online.
