Once the temperature drops, you need to take measures to keep your pipes warm and water running. Research conducted by the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois states that the “temperature alert threshold” is 20° F, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space. Below are some basic steps you can take to prevent frozen pipes:
Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall.
Let cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night.
If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.