Open cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes

Opening cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls lets warm room air circulate around the pipes inside. This simple step raises the temperature around the pipes enough to prevent freezing when combined with adequate indoor heating.

Steps

1. Identify sink cabinets that sit against exterior walls.
2. Open the cabinet doors fully before nighttime temperatures drop.
3. Keep doors open throughout the cold spell, especially overnight.
4. Remove cleaning supplies or chemicals from inside if children or pets are present.

Tips

• Pair this with letting the faucet drip for added protection on the coldest nights.
• Keep the room temperature at 55°F (13°C) or higher — do not turn heat off when leaving the house in winter.
• For cabinets far from a heat source, place a small fan nearby to improve warm air circulation.