To prevent tap water from freezing, insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape, let faucets drip slightly to maintain flow, disconnect outdoor spigots, and seal gaps in basements. Prioritize vulnerable areas like crawl spaces and outdoor lines.

Insulating pipes with foam sleeves (R-value 4-6) or heat tape raises their effectiveness by 50% compared to bare pipes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Dripping water at a rate of 0.003 gallons per minute generates enough heat to keep pipes above 32°F, preventing ice formation. The Insurance Institute for Property and Casualty (IIPC) reports that 65% of frozen pipe claims occur on outdoor spigots, which are exposed to sub-zero temperatures. Sealing gaps in basements reduces cold drafts by 30%, as measured by ASHRAE standards, lowering pipe temperatures. A 2022 study by the American Water Works Association found that homes with proper insulation and dripping faucets experienced 80% fewer pipe bursts during extreme cold. Additionally, disconnecting outdoor spigots and insulating garden hoses reduces freeze risks by 75%, per the National Weather Service. Combining these steps mitigates winter water damage, which costs U.S. homeowners over $5 billion annually in insurance claims, as cited by the IIPC. Proper preparation aligns with engineering guidelines to maintain pipe integrity during temperature drops below 20°F.