Reno Winter Freeze Checklist

Freezing nights can affect pipes in a Reno garage, exterior wall or crawlspace before a heated living room feels cold. This checklist separates preparations from observations to make when a line stops flowing. Use it before a cold spell and review it again when travel, a power outage or changes to heating leave parts of the house colder than usual.

Preparations work best when you already know where shutoffs are and how exposed plumbing is protected. Review accessible areas from a safe position. Do not enter a wet crawlspace, climb an icy roof or remove insulation to complete a box. For pipe insulation, heating equipment and outdoor plumbing, follow the product or system instructions and arrange help when access or installation is uncertain.

If you suspect a frozen pipe, a loss of flow does not tell you whether the line has split. Watch accessible areas for leaking as conditions warm and keep clear of wet electricity. Never use an open flame to thaw plumbing. The checklist records what you have reviewed, not a guarantee against freezing. Print it for a seasonal check, or keep selections in this browser and reset them before the next winter review.