What Temperature Should I Keep My Home to Prevent Frozen Pipes?

Setting your thermostat to at least 55F keeps the air around your pipes above freezing. That temperature works for most homes, but the exact number depends on where pipes run and how well your walls are insulated. A colder corner or an unheated garage might need a slightly higher setting.

Think of 55F as a baseline, not a fixed rule. If you know a certain wall feels drafty or a cabinet hides pipes against an outside wall, bump the thermostat up a few degrees. You can also open cabinet doors to let warm air reach those spots.

• Set the thermostat to 55F minimum when you leave
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to circulate warm air
• Keep garage doors closed if pipes run through the garage
• Insulate exposed pipes in attics or crawl spaces
• Drip faucets slowly during a hard freeze
• Know where your main shutoff valve is located

When temperatures drop below freezing, run a thin stream of cold water from faucets connected to exposed pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze. Also, keep your thermostat steady, even at night. Turning it down to save energy can put your pipes at risk.

If you lose power or your heating fails, drain the water system if you can. Turn off the main shutoff valve, then open every faucet to let water run out. This reduces pressure and gives water less chance to expand inside the pipes.

Even with precautions, pipes can still burst. If that happens, you will likely face wet drywall, soaked flooring, or water in your attic. The first step is to stop the water source and remove standing water. Then dry the area thoroughly to prevent mold growth.

Local water damage pros can help with the cleanup and repair. They handle tasks like drying out walls, removing damaged flooring, and fixing ceilings. If you have mold concerns, a mold professional may also be needed. Act quickly, since water damage worsens the longer it sits.