How to Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes
A burst pipe is one of the most common — and most preventable — causes of serious water damage in cold climates. When water freezes it expands, and the pressure can split a pipe wide open. A few low-cost habits before and during a cold snap dramatically cut the risk.
Know which pipes are at risk
The vulnerable pipes are the ones exposed to cold: those in unheated spaces like attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages, pipes running along exterior walls, and outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines. These freeze first because they get the least warmth from the house.
Before the cold season
- Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe sleeves or heat tape in unheated areas — an inexpensive, high-payoff step.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off and drain outdoor faucets, and store hoses for the winter.
- Seal drafts near pipes — gaps around rim joists, vents, and where lines enter the house let in freezing air.
- Know where your main water shutoff is and make sure everyone in the household does too. In an emergency, finding it fast is the difference between a puddle and a flood.
During a hard freeze
- Let a faucet drip. A trickle of water through the pipe relieves the pressure that actually bursts it — running water is far harder to freeze solid.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so household heat reaches the pipes.
- Keep the thermostat steady, day and night. Setting it back too far overnight saves a little energy but raises the freeze risk.
If you'll be away
Leaving for the winter, or even a few days during a cold snap? Keep the heat set no lower than about 55°F. For longer absences, consider shutting off the water at the main and draining the system so there's nothing in the pipes to freeze. A smart water-leak detector or a freeze alarm can warn you remotely before a small problem becomes a flooded house.
If a pipe is already frozen
If a faucet only trickles in cold weather, a pipe may be frozen but not yet burst. Keep the faucet open so water can flow as it thaws, and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, a space heater kept clear of flammables, or warm towels — work from the faucet end back toward the frozen section. Never use an open flame or torch. If you can't reach the frozen section, or a pipe has already split, shut off the main water valve and call a professional.
Water damage guides
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Read the guide →This guide is general information for educational purposes only — not professional, legal, or insurance advice. Coverage, costs, timelines, and the right steps depend on your policy, your property, and local conditions, and can change over time. Confirm specifics with a licensed restoration professional, your insurer, and your own policy before acting. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.