How to Keep Pipes From Freezing in a Power Outage

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When the heat goes out in freezing weather, water pipes can freeze and burst. The Red Cross and other emergency agencies recommend a handful of simple steps, and the most important one is knowing where your main water shut-off valve is before you need it.

How the numbers work: wattages are typical ranges from manufacturer spec sheets and efficiency labels, so check the label on your own appliance. Runtimes are calculated, not lab-tested: usable energy = rated Wh × 0.85, divided by average watts.

⚡ Quick Answer

• Know your main shut-off valve so you can stop water quickly if a pipe bursts.
• Let faucets drip slightly during a hard freeze, especially on outside walls.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks so room air can reach the pipes.
• Stay in one heated room and close off the rest as best you can. See our winter outage warmth guide.
• Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe.

🧰 Before the Freeze

1. Find and label the main water shut-off valve.
2. Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces and garages.
3. Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets where possible.
4. Charge your devices and power bank so you can follow weather alerts.

🌨️ During the Outage

1. Let cold and hot taps drip slightly.
2. Open sink cabinet doors, particularly on exterior walls.
3. Gather everyone in one room and close it off, using blankets and layers.
4. Check pipes often. If water stops flowing, a pipe may be frozen.

🔧 If a Pipe Freezes

Turn the water off at the main valve first, so a burst does not flood the house when it thaws. Open the affected faucet, and warm the pipe gradually with a safe heat source. Never use a torch or open flame. If a pipe has burst or you cannot thaw it, call a plumber.

🔋 What Backup Power Can and Can’t Do

A power station can keep a phone, a radio and a few lights running, which matters for weather alerts. It is not a good fit for heating a house: electric heaters draw so much that a 1,000Wh-class unit runs a 1,500W heater for well under an hour (about 870Wh usable ÷ 1,500W). See can a power station run a space heater. A power station can run a furnace blower, though. See how many watts a furnace blower uses for a gas furnace with a dead electrical supply. Also keep the unit warm: storing a solar generator in winter.

✅ Bottom Line

Know the shut-off, keep taps dripping and cabinets open, and never use a flame to thaw. For the full winter plan, read what to do during a power outage.

🔗 Related Guides

• How to stay warm in a winter outage
• Can a power station run a space heater?
• How many watts does a furnace blower use?
• Storing a solar generator in winter
• What to do during a power outage
• How to prep your home for a power outage

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop pipes freezing when the power is out?

Let faucets drip slightly, open cabinet doors under sinks, insulate exposed pipes and keep your main water shut-off valve location handy. Heat the warmest rooms as safely as you can.

Should I leave taps dripping?

Emergency agencies recommend letting faucets drip slightly during a hard freeze, since moving water is less likely to freeze.

What do I do if a pipe freezes?

Turn off the main water valve, open the affected faucet and warm the pipe gradually. Never use an open flame. Call a plumber if it has burst.

Can a power station keep my heating on?

Not electric heaters for long, since they draw a lot of power. It can run a furnace blower or lights and phones for much longer.

Where is my main water shut-off?

Usually where the main line enters the house, often in a basement, utility room or crawl space. Find it before an emergency.