Every winter, frozen pipes send thousands of homeowners into a panic. When water freezes inside a pipe it expands by about nine percent, and that pressure is strong enough to split copper, PVC, and even steel. The good news is that a few simple habits in late fall can prevent almost every one of these failures.
Quick tip: On freezing nights, let a thin stream of cold water run from the faucet farthest from your main valve. Moving water rarely freezes.
Why Frozen Pipes Burst
The damage usually does not happen where the ice forms. As the blockage grows, pressure builds between the ice and your closed faucets, and somewhere along that stretch the pipe gives way. That is why a pipe often bursts hours after the freeze itself, when everything looks fine from the outside.
Prepare Before the First Freeze
An afternoon of prevention in October or November is worth far more than an emergency call in January. Focus on the pipes that run through unheated spaces first.
Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots
Insulate exposed pipes in the garage, attic, and crawl space with foam sleeves
Seal drafts near pipes with caulk or spray foam
Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when you travel
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during cold snaps
If a Pipe Freezes Anyway
Shut off the main water valve first, then open the nearest faucet to relieve pressure. Warm the frozen section slowly with a hair dryer on low heat, working from the faucet back toward the blockage. Never use an open flame. If you spot a split, a bulge, or wet drywall, stop and leave the valve closed.
When to Call a Professional
If you cannot find the frozen section, if the pipe runs inside a wall, or if water has already escaped, it is time to call. SwiftRooter answers 24/7 through the winter, and our average emergency response time is under an hour.
