Insulate pipes in unconditioned space, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, seal air leaks near pipe runs, keep the house heated even when away, and let a faucet drip during hard freezes. The dripping faucet is the one people skip and the one that works.

Before the Cold Arrives

  • Insulate exposed pipes in attics, crawlspaces, garages, 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 at the valve, and that is where a large share of freeze breaks happen.
  • Install frost-proof hose bibs or insulated covers on exterior faucets.
  • Seal air leaks around rim joists, foundation vents, and wall penetrations where cold air reaches pipes directly. This matters more than most homeowners expect — wind driving through a gap freezes a pipe far faster than still cold air.
  • Know where your main shutoff is and confirm it turns. Ten minutes now; thousands saved if a pipe does let go.

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 trapped between an 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 at a consistent temperature day and night. Setting back overnight during a freeze saves a little gas and risks a lot of water damage.
  • Keep the garage door closed if there is plumbing in there.

If You Are Traveling

Never set the thermostat below about 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 vacation turns into a flooded return.

Why We Get Caught Here

Albuquerque and Santa Fe winters are mild on average and sharp at the extremes. A 60-degree afternoon can be followed by a hard overnight freeze, and homes here are often built with less freeze protection than colder climates require.

We provide winterization and frozen pipe repair. Contact B. Carlson in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.