Protect Your Home This Winter: How to Prevent Frozen Pipes and What to Do If They Burst

1/1/2025 (Permalink)

Winter weather brings beautiful snowfalls, cozy nights by the fire, and the festive spirit, but it also brings its fair share of challenges for homeowners. One of the most common, yet often preventable, winter hazards is frozen pipes. When temperatures plummet, your plumbing system is at risk, and if pipes freeze and burst, the damage can be costly, disruptive, and stressful. As a local SERVPRO franchise, we want to help you protect your home and keep you prepared for the unexpected. Here’s how to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if disaster strikes.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

Pipes freeze when the temperature of the water inside them drops below freezing (32°F or 0°C). Water expands as it freezes, and this pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst. The most vulnerable pipes are those in areas that aren’t heated, such as:

• Unfinished basements or crawl spaces
• Attics or garages
• Exterior walls
• Outdoor spigots

If you live in a region prone to freezing temperatures, understanding the risks and taking proactive measures can save you from a nightmare of water damage.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

There are several steps homeowners can take to prevent their pipes from freezing in the first place. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies:

1. Insulate Pipes: Insulating pipes in unheated areas can provide the protection they need against the cold. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. Pay special attention to pipes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

2. Keep Garage Doors Closed: If you have water supply lines running through your garage, keep the doors closed to minimize exposure to the cold. If possible, consider adding insulation to the garage walls.

3. Let Faucets Drip: On especially cold nights, leave a faucet (or two) dripping slightly. Running water is less likely to freeze than standing water. This is especially important for faucets located along exterior walls.

4. Open Cabinet Doors: If you have pipes running through cabinets, such as those under your kitchen or bathroom sink, open the cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.

5. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Check your home’s exterior for gaps or cracks where cold air might enter. Seal around windows, doors, and pipes to keep the warm air inside and the cold air out.

6. Maintain a Consistent Temperature: If you plan to leave your home for an extended period, make sure the thermostat is set to a temperature no lower than 55°F. You may also want to consider installing a smart thermostat so you can monitor and adjust the temperature remotely.

What to Do if Pipes Freeze

Despite all your best efforts, frozen pipes can still happen. If you suspect that a pipe has frozen, here’s what you should do:

1. Turn Off the Water: The first step is to turn off the water supply to the affected area. This will help prevent flooding if the pipe bursts. Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately.

2. Warm the Pipes Slowly: To thaw the frozen pipe, you’ll need to warm it up gradually. You can use a hairdryer, a space heater, or a heating pad. Start at the section of the pipe closest to the faucet and work your way down. Do not use an open flame, such as a blowtorch, as this can be dangerous and may cause the pipe to burst.

3. Check for Leaks: Once the pipe is thawed, check for any signs of leaks. If a pipe has cracked or burst, you’ll need to call a professional plumber immediately.

4. Call SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration: If a pipe does burst and flooding occurs, don’t panic! SERVPRO is here to help. Our experienced team is equipped with the latest tools and technology to handle water damage quickly and efficiently. We can assess the situation, extract any standing water, dry out the affected areas, and restore your home to its pre-damage condition.

The SERVPRO Difference

At SERVPRO, we understand how stressful and disruptive water damage can be, especially during the winter months when your home is most vulnerable. Whether you’re dealing with frozen pipes, water damage from snow or ice, or the aftermath of a burst pipe, we’re here to provide expert restoration services. Our team is available 24/7, ready to help you when you need it most.

Conclusion

By taking proactive steps to protect your home from frozen pipes this winter, you can avoid costly and time-consuming damage. But if the unexpected happens, remember that SERVPRO is just a phone call away. Our team of experts is dedicated to restoring your home quickly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption. Don’t let winter weather catch you off guard—prepare now and stay safe!

For immediate assistance or to learn more about how SERVPRO can help with water damage restoration, contact us today!