How to Prevent Frozen Pipes and Protect Your Appliances This Winter
Quick answer: insulate exposed pipes, let vulnerable faucets drip, disconnect outdoor hoses, keep the thermostat above 55°F, and check the water lines feeding your fridge, washer, and dishwasher before the first hard freeze.
“Fridge water line froze while we were away for a week over the holidays, thawed and leaked all over the kitchen floor by the time we got back. Technician who fixed the line said insulating it would have taken maybe ten minutes, lesson learned for next winter.”
Frozen pipes are a common winter hazard that can lead to expensive repairs, appliance damage, and water leaks once they thaw. Any appliance with a water hookup — the fridge’s ice maker, the washer, the dishwasher — is exposed to the same risk as the plumbing feeding it.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap pipes near exterior walls, in unheated basements, or in the garage with foam insulation sleeves — these are inexpensive and take minutes to install, and they’re the single biggest factor in whether a pipe freezes during a cold snap.
2. Let Faucets Drip
A slow, steady drip keeps water moving through the pipe, and moving water is far less likely to freeze than standing water. This matters most for faucets connected to exterior-wall plumbing or any line that’s given you trouble in past winters.
3. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Leaving a hose connected traps water and pressure in the outdoor spigot’s line, which is exactly what causes it to freeze and potentially crack the pipe behind the wall — disconnecting hoses before the first hard freeze is a simple, easy-to-forget step.
4. Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent
Don’t drop the thermostat below 55°F (13°C) even when you’re away — a sudden temperature swing is often what pushes a marginal pipe from “cold but fine” to actually frozen. This is especially relevant if you travel during winter and are tempted to turn the heat down further to save on bills.
5. Check Appliances Connected to Water Lines
Refrigerators with an ice maker or water dispenser, washing machines, and dishwashers all have a water line that’s just as vulnerable as household plumbing. Inspect these connections before winter sets in, and make sure any exposed section (particularly behind a fridge pulled slightly from the wall, or a washer in an unheated laundry room) has the same insulation attention as the rest of your plumbing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I discover a frozen pipe feeding an appliance?
Turn off the water supply to that line if you can access the shutoff, and don’t run the appliance until it’s thawed and you’ve confirmed there’s no crack. Gently warming the area (a hair dryer on low, never an open flame) is safer than waiting for it to thaw on its own, since a cracked pipe won’t leak until the ice inside melts.
Can a frozen ice maker line damage the refrigerator itself, not just the line?
Yes — if the line cracks from freezing and then thaws while still connected, water can leak into the fridge’s internal components or onto your floor before you notice. Checking the line before winter is cheaper than dealing with either outcome.
Is it enough to just insulate the pipes, or does the appliance itself need protection too?
Pipe insulation handles the supply line, but appliances in unheated spaces (a garage fridge, a laundry room that runs cold) benefit from keeping the space itself above freezing too — insulating the line alone doesn’t help if the appliance’s own internal water reservoir or hoses get cold enough.
How cold does it actually need to get before pipes are at real risk?
Pipes in unprotected areas can start freezing once temperatures drop into the low 20s°F (around -6°C) for an extended period, especially with wind exposure. Exterior walls and unheated spaces are at risk well before a typical indoor thermostat would suggest anything’s wrong.
*Same-day service is offered whenever possible and depends on technician availability, parts, and your location within the GTA.