A frozen pipe is one of those plumbing problems that can go from minor inconvenience to major disaster fast. Once water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, and that expansion puts serious pressure on the pipe walls. If the pressure builds enough, the pipe cracks or bursts, and you’re left dealing with water damage on top of the original plumbing problem. The good news is that frozen pipes are largely preventable with a little preparation before winter really sets in.
Why Pipes Freeze in the First Place
Pipes freeze when the temperature of the water inside them drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below for long enough. This happens most often in pipes that run through unheated or poorly insulated areas of a home, like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls. Pipes on the exterior walls of a home are especially vulnerable since they have less protection from outdoor temperature swings compared to pipes running through the interior of the house.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes running through unheated spaces should be insulated before winter arrives. Foam pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install, and they provide a real layer of protection against the cold for pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages.
Pay particular attention to any pipes running along exterior walls, since these tend to be the most exposed to outdoor temperature drops even when the rest of your home stays comfortably heated.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air finding its way into your home through small gaps and cracks can drop the temperature around your pipes more than you’d expect. Check around where pipes enter your home, near dryer vents, and around any gaps in your foundation or exterior walls. Sealing these gaps with caulk or insulation helps keep cold air out and protects the pipes running nearby.
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Garden hoses left connected to an outdoor spigot over the winter can cause water to back up into the pipe connected to your home, and if that water freezes, it can cause the pipe to crack. Disconnect and drain all garden hoses before the first hard freeze, and if you have exterior faucets that aren’t frost-proof, consider installing an insulated faucet cover for extra protection.
Know Where Your Main Shutoff Valve Is
If a pipe does freeze or burst, being able to shut off your water quickly can make a huge difference in how much damage occurs. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main shutoff valve is located and how to use it, so there’s no scrambling to figure it out during an actual emergency.
Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature
During particularly cold stretches, resist the urge to lower your thermostat significantly at night or while you’re away from home. Keeping a consistent, moderate temperature throughout your house, even in rooms you don’t use often, helps prevent the kind of temperature drops that lead to frozen pipes in vulnerable areas.
Open Cabinet Doors During Extreme Cold
For pipes located under sinks along exterior walls, opening the cabinet doors during particularly cold nights allows warmer air from the rest of the room to reach the pipes more easily. This is a simple, free step that can make a real difference during the coldest nights of the season.
Let Faucets Drip During Severe Cold
During extremely cold weather, letting a faucet connected to a vulnerable pipe drip slightly can help prevent freezing. Moving water is much less likely to freeze than water sitting still, so even a small trickle can relieve pressure buildup and reduce the chance of a pipe freezing solid.
Consider Additional Insulation for Vulnerable Areas
If you’ve had frozen pipe issues in the past, or if you know certain areas of your home are particularly exposed, it may be worth having a professional evaluate whether additional insulation, heat tape, or other protective measures make sense for your specific situation. Some homes benefit from more targeted solutions beyond the basic precautions that work for most households.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a faucet and get little to no water, especially during a cold spell, you may be dealing with a frozen pipe. Leave the faucet turned on, since this relieves pressure as the pipe begins to thaw, and try to identify where the freeze is occurring. If you can safely access the area, applying gentle heat, like a hair dryer on a low setting, warm towels, or a portable space heater kept a safe distance away, can help thaw the pipe gradually.
Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe, and if you can’t locate the frozen section or you’re not comfortable handling it yourself, it’s best to call a professional rather than risk further damage.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
If a pipe has already burst, shut off your main water valve immediately to stop the flow of water and limit damage. Turn off electricity to the affected area if water is anywhere near outlets or wiring, and call a plumber right away. The faster you can shut off the water and get a professional out to assess the damage, the better your chances of minimizing repair costs and water damage to your home.
How Aspen Plumbing Services Can Help
Aspen Plumbing Services has been helping Jackson County homeowners prepare for Michigan winters since 1981. Our team can evaluate your home’s pipes, identify vulnerable areas, and recommend the right insulation or protective measures before the cold weather really sets in.
And if you do end up dealing with a frozen or burst pipe this winter, we offer 24/7 emergency service, so you’re never left waiting when a plumbing emergency happens at the worst possible time. Give us a call at (517) 750-9913 or reach out to us through our website to schedule a pre-winter inspection or to get help with an emergency plumbing issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature do pipes start to freeze?
Pipes are at risk once the water inside them drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below for an extended period. This happens most often in pipes running through unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls.
Should we let our faucets drip during extremely cold weather?
Yes, letting a faucet connected to a vulnerable pipe drip slightly can help prevent it from freezing.
Moving water is much less likely to freeze than water sitting still, so even a small trickle relieves pressure and reduces the risk.
What should we do if a pipe freezes?
Leave the affected faucet turned on to relieve pressure, and try to identify where the freeze is occurring.
Applying gentle heat with a hair dryer, warm towels, or a space heater kept a safe distance away can help thaw it gradually, but never use an open flame.
What’s the first thing to do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off your main water valve immediately to stop the flow of water and limit damage. Turn off electricity to the area if water is near outlets or wiring, and call a plumber right away.
Why are pipes on exterior walls more likely to freeze?
Pipes running along exterior walls have less protection from outdoor temperature swings compared to pipes running through the interior of the home. Insulating these pipes before winter is one of the most effective ways to prevent them from freezing.
Aspen Plumbing Services proudly serves the greater Jackson, Michigan area and the surrounding areas, including Chelsea, Adrian, & Hillsdale. Questions about winter plumbing prep? Contact our team today.
