Take some time to insulate all exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas, such as the attic, crawlspace, or near exterior walls.

Take a walk around your property and actively seek out air leaks around your plumbing pipes. Seal these leaks with blow-in insulation or caulk to prevent freezing air from entering your walls and freezing the pipes.

Disconnect any outdoor hoses, shut off the water to exterior faucets, and drain the swimming pool if necessary.

When temperatures drop to their extreme, open the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing pipes within. Remove any cleaners or household chemicals to avoid pets or children falling ill.

During particularly cold periods, turn on both the hot and cold faucets near exterior walls and allow a small trickle of water to flow throughout the night. The running water will prevent the pipes from freezing.

Make sure your family knows where water shutoff valves are located and when it is necessary to activate the valves to prevent further water damage.

Keep the faucet near an exterior wall open. As you treat your frozen pipes, the water will flow through the frozen section and down the drain. Then, the running water will help melt any remaining ice in the pipe.

Apply heat directly to the frozen section of the pipe. Use an electric heating pad, portable space heater, or towels soaked in hot water. Never use an open flame device, such as a blowtorch.

If you cannot thaw the pipes using DIY methods, then it is time to contact an expert. A plumber or water damage restoration specialist can handle the situation with ease.