Do you open your cabinets under your sinks during a freeze?

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Yes, you should absolutely open the cabinet doors under your sink during a freeze, especially if the sink is on an exterior wall.

??? Why You Should Open the Cabinet Doors

Opening the doors is a simple but effective way to help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

Circulate Warm Air: Closed cabinet doors create an enclosed, often cooler space that acts as a barrier, preventing your home's heated air from reaching the plumbing inside. By opening the doors, you allow the warm air from the rest of the room to circulate around the pipes.

Vulnerable Pipes: Pipes under sinks, particularly those against exterior walls, are more vulnerable to cold temperatures, making this step crucial.

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Yes, you should open the cabinet doors under your sink during freezing weather, especially if the sink is on an exterior wall or in a colder part of your home.
This allows warmer air from the heated room to circulate around the pipes, helping prevent them from freezing. Pipes under sinks are often exposed and vulnerable because cabinets can trap cold air (especially near outside walls), acting like a mini refrigerator when closed. Opening the doors can make a noticeable temperature difference—tests have shown up to 9–12°F warmer inside the cabinet with doors open.
This is a standard recommendation from reliable sources like the American Red Cross, Consumer Reports, plumbing companies, and insurance providers (e.g., Nationwide). It's a simple, free precaution that works best when combined with others:

Let faucets drip slightly (especially the farthest ones or those on exterior walls) to keep water moving.
Keep your home's thermostat at a consistent temperature (at least 55°F).
Insulate exposed pipes if possible.

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Yes—it’s a good idea to open the cabinet doors under your sink during a freeze, especially if the sink is on an exterior wall.
Why it helps
It lets warm air from your home circulate around the pipes.
This reduces the risk of pipes freezing and bursting.
When it’s most important
Very cold temperatures (especially below ~20°F / -7°C).
Older homes or poorly insulated plumbing.
Sinks on exterior walls (kitchen sinks are common trouble spots).

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