Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo prevent frozen pipes, protect the plumbing most exposed to cold, drain outdoor hose connections, and keep the home warm during a hard freeze. Start with pipes in unheated spaces and exterior walls; then use the six steps below to prepare before temperatures drop or while a cold spell is underway.
1. Find the pipes most at risk
Prioritize pipes outdoors or in unheated or poorly insulated areas. Check basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, cabinets, and plumbing routed through exterior walls. Pipes where the water service enters through the foundation are another place to check if a freeze occurs.
Walk the route of visible plumbing and note sections exposed to cold air or lacking insulation. Insulation reduces exposure but does not guarantee a pipe will not freeze, so combine it with the other steps here.
2. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
- Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets, drain them, and store them.
- Close the indoor shutoff valve supplying each outdoor hose bib, if one is installed.
- Open the exterior faucet so water remaining in the line can drain, and leave it open through the cold period.
Pool and sprinkler lines may need separate winterizing procedures. Drain them according to the manufacturer’s or installer’s directions; the American Red Cross cautions against using antifreeze unless those directions call for it, because it can harm people, pets, wildlife, and landscaping. See the Red Cross guidance on preventing and thawing frozen pipes.
#1 Best Overall
- [ETL Certified for Superior Safety] ETL certification is a trusted mark of safety and quality, recognized across North America for ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards. Our self-regulating heating cable is fully ETL certified, from end to end, guaranteeing exceptional performance and reliability. Additionally, the plug is UL certified for added safety. For the safety please always choose a heating cable that is fully certified—because true safety comes with complete certification. Just the plug certified is not enough. The whole heating cable need to be certified.
- [Pipe Freeze Protection] Pipe Heating Cable, 3 W/ft, energy-efficient design. Safeguard your pipes and reduce electricity costs. Maintains water flow in temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C). Includes a 2 Ft power cord and heating cable options ranging from 3 Ft to 160 Ft. This product is backed by up to USD 2 million in product liability insurance, providing you with added peace of mind and security in your purchase.
- [Compatible with Different Pipe Materials] Our water pipe heat cable is versatile, suitable for various pipe types. It works effectively with both metal and plastic water pipes, delivering reliable freeze protection across different materials. Whether it's copper, PVC, or stainless steel, our cable guarantees exceptional performance, ensuring your pipes remain secure and operational even in extreme weather conditions.
- [High-Tech Self-regulating Heating Technology] Our water pipe heat tape features self-regulating technology, automatically adjusting heating power in response to ambient conditions, ensuring it never overheats or causes burns. This intelligent functionality optimizes energy usage, ensuring efficient and dependable pipe freeze protection.
- [Efficient Integrated Thermostat] Our pipe heat trace features a built-in thermostat, activating at 38℉(3℃) and deactivating at 50℉(10℃). This intelligent system regulates power output, operating only when needed for optimal energy efficiency. Rest assured, your water pipes are protected from freezing while minimizing energy usage.
3. Insulate exposed plumbing and cold spaces
Fit insulation to accessible exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and cabinets. Foam tubular sleeves are a common option; they come in different diameters and should fit snugly. Spiral wrap and fiberglass batts are other insulation forms described in the U.S. Department of Energy’s insulation guide for contractors to share with homeowners. Whichever form is appropriate, cover the pipe continuously and avoid gaps, including at bends and fittings.
For pipes in exterior walls, adding insulation in front of the pipe may leave it exposed to cold within the wall cavity. The Department of Energy’s Building Science Education guidance says to place cavity insulation behind the pipes and air-seal the cavity to limit cold-air movement. See Pipes in Exterior Walls.
Rank #2
- 6Ft x 120V x 7W/ft.
- Keeps water flowing down to (-40) degrees F
- For metal and plastic water pipes
- Easy to install
The Red Cross also names UL-listed heat tape or heat cable as an option for exposed water pipes. These products are specialized: follow the specific product instructions and seek qualified help if you are unsure whether a product suits the pipe or installation location.
4. Keep garage doors closed where plumbing runs through the garage
If water pipes pass through a garage, keep the garage door closed during cold weather. This helps limit cold-air exposure around plumbing, but it does not replace insulating vulnerable pipes or maintaining heat in the home.
Rank #3
- 3Ft x 120V x 7W/ft
- Keeps water flowing down to (-40) degrees F
- For metal and plastic water pipes
- Easy to install
5. Open sink cabinets during very cold weather
Open cabinet doors beneath sinks when temperatures are especially low so warmer room air can circulate around plumbing, particularly where pipes sit against an exterior wall. Before doing so, move cleaners and other household chemicals out of children’s reach.
6. Keep water moving and heat steady
During very cold weather, the Red Cross advises letting cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. This guidance is for faucets connected to vulnerable plumbing, not a requirement to drip every faucet. The Red Cross also recommends keeping the thermostat at the same temperature day and night during a cold spell.
Rank #4
- 【Cable Certified】Unlike plug-only certified cables, our ENTIRE heating cable meets standards. Aluminum alloy shield (70% coverage) prevents shorts + TPE jacket resists UV/chemicals. Includes 5FT grounded plug with indicator light. Backed by product liability insurance.
- 【-40°F Freeze Protection】For water-filled metal/plastic pipes (copper, PVC, PEX). 5W/FT output prevents ice at -40°F. WARNING: Do NOT use on fuel lines/gutters—no water causes overheating. Pure copper core maintains pipes 10-15°F above ambient, preventing bursts + saving energy.
- 【Industrial-Grade Construction: Pure Core + Triple-Layer Armor】 Multi-layer protection exceeds standard heating tapes: Layer 1: Oxygen-free copper core (99.99% conductivity) for uniform heating Layer 2: Explosion-proof aluminum winding shields against physical impact Layer 3: Weather-resistant TPE outer jacket (IP67 rated) withstands moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure Tested for 10,000+ bend cycles and 20-year service life—ideal for buried or exposed pipes in coastal/high-salinity environments
- 【Simple Installation and Various Length Options】 Our pipe heating tape is designed for easy installation and features pre-installed convenience. Whether it's straight, spiral, or overlapping, it can easily meet your needs. Its length ranges from 3 feet to 200 ft, suitable for various applications from residential to industrial, offering multiple flexible options.
- 【Suitable for Different Pipe Materials】Our water pipe heating cables have versatile functions and are compatible with various types of pipes. They can be effectively used with both metal and plastic pipes and provide reliable anti-freezing protection on pipes of different materials. Whether it's copper pipes, PVC pipes or stainless steel pipes, our cables can ensure excellent performance and guarantee that your water pipes remain stable and operate normally even in extreme weather conditions.
If you will be away
Leave the heat on. For a home left unattended during cold weather, the Red Cross recommends setting the thermostat no lower than 55°F. That is the organization’s practical recommendation, not a universal building-code requirement or a guarantee against freezing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If a pipe freezes
A faucet that produces only a trickle can be an early warning. Keep the faucet open while thawing; as ice melts, water can flow through the pipe. Check other faucets as well, because more than one pipe may be frozen.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- 【Cable Certified】Unlike plug-only certified cables, our ENTIRE heating cable meets standards. Aluminum alloy shield (70% coverage) prevents shorts + TPE jacket resists UV/chemicals. Includes 5FT grounded plug with indicator light. Backed by product liability insurance.
- 【-40°F Freeze Protection】For water-filled metal/plastic pipes (copper, PVC, PEX). 5W/FT output prevents ice at -40°F. WARNING: Do NOT use on fuel lines/gutters—no water causes overheating. Pure copper core maintains pipes 10-15°F above ambient, preventing bursts + saving energy.
- 【Industrial-Grade Construction: Pure Core + Triple-Layer Armor】 Multi-layer protection exceeds standard heating tapes: Layer 1: Oxygen-free copper core (99.99% conductivity) for uniform heating Layer 2: Explosion-proof aluminum winding shields against physical impact Layer 3: Weather-resistant TPE outer jacket (IP67 rated) withstands moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure Tested for 10,000+ bend cycles and 20-year service life—ideal for buried or exposed pipes in coastal/high-salinity environments
- 【Simple Installation and Various Length Options】 Our pipe heating tape is designed for easy installation and features pre-installed convenience. Whether it's straight, spiral, or overlapping, it can easily meet your needs. Its length ranges from 3 feet to 200 ft, suitable for various applications from residential to industrial, offering multiple flexible options.
- 【Suitable for Different Pipe Materials】Our water pipe heating cables have versatile functions and are compatible with various types of pipes. They can be effectively used with both metal and plastic pipes and provide reliable anti-freezing protection on pipes of different materials. Whether it's copper pipes, PVC pipes or stainless steel pipes, our cables can ensure excellent performance and guarantee that your water pipes remain stable and operate normally even in extreme weather conditions.
- Look first at plumbing near exterior walls and where the water service enters through the foundation.
- Use a heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater kept away from flammable materials, or towels soaked in hot water to warm an accessible frozen section.
- Never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open-flame device to thaw a pipe.
- Call a licensed plumber if you cannot locate the frozen section, it is inaccessible, or safe thawing does not restore flow.
These thawing methods and cautions are from the American Red Cross.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
