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Leaving Home in Winter: Keep the Heat On or Drain the Pipes?

Updated November 1, 2026 · General information, not plumbing or legal advice

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Option 1: keep the heat on

• The number. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Illinois Extension, Indiana's utility counselor and the City of Lexington say to set the thermostat no lower than 55 °F. Denver Water says to keep it above 65 °F when leaving your house or business for several days. The sources disagree, so choose a higher number if your pipes run along exterior walls or you have had freezes before (our suggestion).
• Heat pumps. Texas A&M says that with a heat pump and extremely low forecast temperatures, you may need to switch the setting to emergency heat and reduce the thermostat setting to 55 °F.
• Cabinet doors. Texas A&M says to open cabinet doors where there is plumbing. Denver Water says to keep cabinet doors open to exposed pipes in a deep freeze (-5 °F and below).
• Someone checks the house. Illinois Extension says to have someone check the house daily. Indiana's utility counselor says to have a neighbor check the home.
• Know the shut-off. Denver Water says to know where your main shut-off valve is and test it regularly, so you can act quickly if a pipe breaks while you're gone.

The risk: if the heat fails, the plan fails. The pages we opened do not cover power outages while you are away.

Option 2: drain the system and shut off the water

• Lexington, Kentucky says to drain and shut off entirely the water to any unoccupied residence, such as a summer or vacation home.
• Illinois Extension says that if you will be away, you can drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinklers) instead of having someone check daily.
• Independence, Missouri says that if you will be away for an extended time, shut off the water and drain the system.
• Draining pipes, water heaters and appliances is plumbing work. If you are not sure how, ask a licensed plumber.

Before you go, either way

1. Outdoors. Lexington says to disconnect garden hoses and, if you have an irrigation system, shut it off and drain it. Denver Water says to turn off outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses. See outdoor faucet covers and sprinkler winterizing.
2. Seal drafts. Lexington says to caulk cracks and holes in exterior walls and foundations to keep cold air away from pipes.
3. Insulate exposed pipes in attics, crawl spaces and along outside walls (Lexington). See the pipe insulation guide.
4. Read your policy. The Maryland Insurance Administration says policies generally require homeowners to maintain the home at a minimum temperature or shut off the water if the home is vacant, and that a burst may not be covered if the insurer finds neglect.
5. Plan for a burst. Print burst pipe first steps for whoever is checking the house.

Common questions

What temperature should I leave the heat on when I'm away?

Most of the sources we opened say no lower than 55 °F. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Illinois Extension, Indiana's utility counselor and the City of Lexington all give 55 °F. Denver Water is the outlier and says to keep the thermostat above 65 °F when leaving for several days.

Should I drain the pipes instead?

Lexington, Kentucky says to drain and shut off entirely the water to any unoccupied residence, such as a summer or vacation home. Illinois Extension says that if you will be away, you can have someone check the house daily or drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinklers). A plumber can show you how for your house.

What if the power goes out while I'm gone?

The pages we opened do not cover this. Draining the system and shutting off the water is the choice that does not depend on heat. Texas A&M adds that with a heat pump and extremely low forecast temperatures you may need to switch to emergency heat and reduce the thermostat setting to 55 °F.

Does insurance care?

The Maryland Insurance Administration says policies generally require homeowners to maintain the home at a minimum temperature or shut off the water supply if the home is vacant, and that damage from a burst pipe may not be covered if the insurer finds neglect. Read your own policy and ask your insurer.

Should I leave faucets dripping while I'm away?

Sources say to drip in deep cold, but they do not say to leave a faucet running while no one is home. Howard County, Maryland says never to leave running water unattended. Denver Water suggests a trickle during a deep freeze, and Independence, Missouri says to run a thin stream only if you have had problems before.

Related guides

• How to winterize a house
• How to prevent frozen pipes
• Burst pipe first steps