How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in New Canaan This Winter

New Canaan winters bring stretches of hard freeze that put unheated spaces like crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls at risk. Pipes running through these areas are the ones most likely to freeze, especially if insulation has settled or shifted over the years.

Before the cold sets in, disconnect and drain garden hoses, and shut off water to exterior spigots using the interior shutoff valve if your home has one. Pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and make a real difference for lines running through unheated areas.

During a hard freeze, keeping cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls lets warm room air reach the pipes underneath. A slow trickle of water from a faucet fed by a vulnerable line can also relieve pressure buildup that leads to a split pipe.

If a pipe does freeze, avoid using an open flame to thaw it. A controlled approach limits damage, and if you are not sure where the ice blockage is, it is safer to call a plumber than to guess.