To address a frozen faucet in winter, first, locate the frozen section by turning off the main water supply. Use a hairdryer or heat gun to apply warmth gradually to the pipe near the faucet, starting from the faucet outward. If the faucet itself is frozen, pour warm water over it while keeping the supply shut off. Once thawed, open the faucet slowly to release trapped pressure. For prevention, insulate exposed pipes with foam or fiberglass sleeves, seal gaps around windows and doors, and let taps drip slightly to maintain water flow.

Freezing faucets occur when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), causing water in pipes to expand and crack pipes. Insulating pipes reduces heat loss, as the EPA notes that 10% of U.S. homes face plumbing damage from freezing annually, costing an average of $4,500 in repairs. Thawing methods like heat application prevent cracks by ensuring controlled melting, as demonstrated by the DIY Network, which states that rapid thawing can exceed pipe pressure limits. Maintaining a drip flow prevents pressure buildup, a common cause of burst pipes, which the American Water Works Association attributes to 15% of winter-related plumbing failures. Insulating exterior pipes (2-4 inches of foam) reduces heat loss by 90%, per the Department of Energy, while sealing drafts saves 10-15% on heating bills, reducing energy costs and pipe stress. Proactive measures like these mitigate冻结 risks and long-term damage, ensuring cost-effective winter plumbing safety.