Top 8 Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter

January 2, 2026

Wintertime is an excellent time to plan a relaxing getaway. Whether your idea of the dream winter destination is a snow-flocked cabin or a sun-soaked cabana with hourly service, it is essential to make sure that things back at home are properly cared for before heading out on your New Year adventures. With Western MA and Northern CT temperatures reaching their seasonal lows, a weekend rendezvous to your favorite vacation spot can quickly turn into a frozen-pipe fiasco. Don’t let this costly damage happen to your home! Instead, follow the tips outlined by the PayLessForOil.com pros to learn how to prevent frozen and burst pipes at your property.

How to Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes at Your MA or CT Home

Outdoor Preventative Measures

Tip #1: Drain your outdoor spigot and close the interior shut-off valve leading to the faucet.

An unattended garden hose can burst and damage your interior pipe. When the water in the hose freezes, it expands, causing pressure to build throughout the plumbing system. This is why it is essential to close the interior shut-off valve and drain the spigot before heading out of town.

Tip #2: Insulate outdoor spigots with faucet covers.

Insulating your outdoor spigot with a faucet cover helps keep cold air out so the pipe doesn’t freeze and burst, which can prevent leaks, water damage, and costly repairs.

Indoor Plumbing Maintenance

Tip #3: Wrap your exposed interior pipes with a water-resistant insulation material.

Plumbing pipes in an unheated area are at risk of freezing. Wrapping exposed interior pipes helps ensure all openings are well-sealed and minimizes the amount of pipe exposed to the cold temperatures. These may be located in your garage, attic, or basement, and could be prone to freezing in extremely cold weather.

Tip #4: Open cabinet doors under sinks.

Doing this helps warm indoor air to circulate around indoor pipes and prevent freezing.

Tip #5: Allow faucets to drip slightly

If you are leaving home for a short period of time, moving water can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

Other Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Tip #6: If you are going away, set your temperature to be no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit

Setting your thermostat to this temperature ensures your home stays warm enough while also helping you save money by not heating an empty house.

Tip #7: Change your heating oil filter

This tip prevents unnecessary clogging and boosts the performance of your heating system.

Tip #8: Keep your heating oil tank filled above a quarter tank

One of the easiest ways to help prevent a frozen pipe disaster is to keep your heating oil tank filled, especially during the coldest temperatures of the year. Don’t run low on oil. Instead, place a fast, reliable online delivery order today with the professionals at PayLessForOil.com to protect your home, even while you’re away this New Year’s season.

Stay Prepared for Anything; Get an Oil Delivery Today

Don’t let your relaxing winter getaway become an icy disaster. PayLessForOil.com is here for you with affordable heating oil delivery and service to keep your home heated and help prevent costly damage from frozen and burst pipes. Get a price quote in seconds or order fuel online to get started today!