Plumber shares tips to avoid frozen pipes in frigid temps

BY Ryan Burk WisconsinPUBLISHED 7:15 AM ET Jan. 22, 2026

WAUWATOSA, Wis. — Wisconsin is gearing up for a blast of cold air. With temperatures forecast to be well below zero later this week, people are getting prepared. Making sure your home is ready to withstand the cold is an important part of preparation.

What You Need To Know

• Plumbers are preparing to deal with an influx of calls related to frozen pipes
• It is important to check your home for ways that cold air could enter
• If you won't be home during cold, have someone check on the house for you

When temperatures become very cold, there can be a number of plumbing-related risks, including frozen pipes.

Jessie Cannizzaro is a master plumber and owns Wauwatosa-based Milestone Plumbing. She said her crews prepare for an influx of calls during cold snaps. However, it often takes a few days of cold before she starts seeing an increase in calls.

“What starts happening is as that cold penetrates, and if the winds pick up, it will start to get it through any cracks that are inside walls, foundation, siding. Once that gets inside and it freezes pipes, people will start to call about no water at all in their home,” said Cannizzaro.

Cannizzaro said that there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of pipe freeze-ups. She said to check if there are any significant exposed cracks in the basement walls, a way that cold air can get inside the home.

In addition, Cannizzaro said that if you have a sink that is against an outside wall, there is often the biggest risk of pipes freezing. She advises opening up cabinets on things like vanities and in kitchens to allow more warm air to get inside.

If you have any plans to be away from your home for extended periods during cold weather, have someone else check it.

“If you are going on vacation this time of year, make sure the house is being checked. Having a neighbor come in, making sure the thermostat is OK. Doing a quick walkthrough,” said Cannizzaro.

While not directly plumbing related, there are other important safety considerations for your home during extreme cold. They include making sure that any outside vents to your home are free from ice or snow. If vents are blocked, it could lead to gases like carbon monoxide building up inside your home.

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