Insulate pipes in unconditioned space, disconnect garden hoses, seal air leaks near pipe runs, keep the house heated to at least 55 degrees even when away, and let a faucet drip during hard freezes.
Before the Cold
- Insulate exposed pipe in attics, crawlspaces, garages, exterior walls, and unheated additions. Foam sleeves are inexpensive and go on in an afternoon.
- Disconnect garden hoses and drain the bibs. A connected hose traps water right at the valve — a large share of local freeze breaks happen there.
- Install frost-proof hose bibs or insulated covers.
- Seal air leaks around rim joists, foundation vents, and wall penetrations. Wind driving through a gap freezes a pipe far faster than still cold air, and this step gets skipped constantly.
- Locate your main shutoff and confirm it turns.
During a Hard Freeze
- Let a faucet drip — ideally the one furthest from where water enters the house. This relieves the pressure that actually bursts pipes, since the break comes from water compressed between the ice blockage and a closed tap.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm room air reaches the supply lines.
- Keep the thermostat steady day and night. Setting back overnight during a freeze saves a little gas and risks substantial water damage.
- Keep the garage door closed if there is plumbing in there.
If You Are Away
Never set the thermostat below 55 degrees. Better still, shut off the main and drain the system, or have someone check the house. An unheated house during a New Mexico cold snap is how a vacation becomes a flooded return.
Why Albuquerque Homes Get Caught
Our winters are mild on average and sharp at the extremes. A 60-degree afternoon followed by a hard overnight freeze catches people who did not think the day warranted preparation — and local homes are frequently built with less freeze protection than colder climates require. Santa Fe and the East Mountains see it worse.
Professional Help
We provide pipe insulation, winterization, and frozen pipe repair. Contact B. Carlson.
