Frozen pipes are one of those problems that go from “everything’s fine” to “why is water coming out of the wall?” real fast. And around here, all it takes is one hard freeze to turn a quiet winter night into an expensive surprise.

The good news? A little prep goes a long way. Let’s walk through some simple steps to protect your pipes and your peace of mind this winter.

Step 1: Know Where Your Vulnerable Pipes Are

Pipes that run through garages, exterior walls, crawl spaces, and under sinksare the most likely to freeze. If it’s exposed to cold air, it deserves a second look.

If you’re not sure where everything runs, that’s okay — start with anything near an outside wall or an unheated space.

Step 2: Insulate Before It Gets Cold

Pipe insulation is one of the easiest and most affordable winter fixes you can do.

Foam pipe insulation sleeves slide right on and help keep warm air around the pipe. They’re quick to install and don’t require special tools — just measure, cut, and secure.

This is a great Fix-It Friday project because it can save you thousands later.

Step 3: Let Faucets Drip on Cold Nights

We get this question a lot — and yes, it works.

On especially cold nights, letting faucets drip just a bit keeps water moving and helps prevent freezing. Focus on sinks located along exterior walls.

It’s a small drip that can prevent a very big headache.

Step 4: Open Cabinet Doors

If you’ve got pipes under kitchen or bathroom sinks on outside walls, open the cabinet doors during cold snaps. This lets warm air circulate around the pipes and helps keep them from freezing.

Bonus: it’s also a good reminder to clean out that cabinet you’ve been ignoring.

Step 5: Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Before the freeze hits, disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets. Leaving hoses attached can trap water and cause pipes to freeze and crack inside the wall — even if the hose itself looks fine.

This one step saves a lot of plumbing calls.

Step 6: Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is

If a pipe does freeze or burst, knowing where your main water shut-off is can limit damage fast.

If you’re not sure where it is, take five minutes to find it now. Your future self will thank you.

A Local Tip from Your Hardware Crew

We carry pipe insulation, heat tape, hose bib covers, and all the cold-weather plumbing supplies you need to stay ahead of winter.

If you’re unsure what size insulation you need or which solution works best for your home, just ask — we’re happy to help you get it right the first time.

Stay Warm. Stay Dry. Stay Ahead.

A little preparation now can prevent a very soggy problem later. Stop by Rio Rancho Hardware and let us help you winterize your home the smart way.

That’s another Fix-It Friday in the books and we’ll see you next week with more practical tips from your neighborhood hardware store.