How to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if a pipe bursts

When the temperature reaches freezing, this can cause the water inside pipes to freeze. As the water freezes, it expands causing the pressure inside the pipes to increase. Frozen pipes is a minor inconvenience; a pipe that bursts is a homeowner’s nightmare.

Water lines are particularly susceptible to freezing when the temperature outside gets cold very quickly because the warmth from your heating system is unable to keep up with the demand the suddenly cold temperatures bring. Homes in more temperate climates are also susceptible when the temperature dips below freezing. Because they are typically warmer, water pipes may not be insulated as well as they should be.

Preventing frozen pipes

• Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest.


• Seal any air leaks near the pipes.


• If there are water supply lines in your garage, keep the garage doors closed.


• Always remember to drain, disconnect and store garden hoses.


• Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs.


• Open the cabinet doors in kitchen and bathroom – this lets warmer air circulate around the plumbing.


• Maintain thermostat at 55 degrees or higher when you are out of town.


• If you get a cold snap, turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls allowing a small trickle of water to run during the night.


• Identify the locations of shutoff valves so that you are prepared to stop the flow of water as soon as possible when a pipe bursts.

If pipes freeze:

• Thaw a frozen pipe using a good hair dryer. However, avoid using a hair dryer around standing water.


• Heat water on the stove, soak towels in the hot water and wrap them around the pipe.


• When thawing a pipe, start nearer to the faucet and work your way back.


• Turn on the faucet so water can drip out as the ice melts.


• If you have one frozen pipe, chances are that you may have more. Check all other faucets in your home.

If pipes burst:

• Shut off the water at the main valve.


• Take precautions to avoid electrical shock from being in or near standing water.


• If the break is in a hot water pipe, the valve on top of the water heater should be closed.


• Call a plumber.


• Take inventory of any damaged property.


• Contact your insurance agent to help you locate an emergency water mitigation specialist who can dry out the damaged area quickly.