Living in a colder climate means frozen pipes are always a risk, and any homeowner or building owner knows the impact of a burst pipe can be far-reaching. A single break can flood walls, ceilings, and floors, damaging everything from insulation and drywall to flooring, furniture, and personal belongings.
Cleanup after a burst pipe typically requires professional water damage specialists. Restoration often involves more than just plumbing: remediation specialists, electricians, and contractors may be needed to handle drywall, flooring, and other structural repairs. Thankfully, many insurance policies cover the damage caused by burst water pipes.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from preventing your pipes from freezing to what to do if they burst and the key steps to restoring your home safely and efficiently.
What Happens When Pipes Freeze?
When water in your pipes freezes, it expands, increasing pressure inside the pipe. If that pressure gets too high, it can cause the pipe to burst. The colder it gets, the more solid the ice becomes — and the more the water expands, putting even greater stress on your plumbing.
If you don’t catch this expansion early enough, your pipes can reach a breaking point and rupture. Once temperatures rise and the ice begins to thaw, water starts flowing again — and that’s when leaks and water damage can occur.
What Do I Do When My Pipes Freeze
If you have frozen pipes, acting quickly to prevent damage is essential. Here are the steps to take if your pipes are frozen:
- Identify the Location: Check your home for areas that may be unheated, such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces.
- Shut Off the Water Supply Pipes: Immediately after locating the burst pipe, shut off the main valve to eliminate water pressure.
- Inspect for Cracks: Look for cracks in exterior walls and seal them to prevent cold air from entering.
- Heat Properly: Gradually warm the area where the pipes are located. Use a space heater or heat lamp, ensuring it’s at a safe distance to avoid fire hazards.
- Set Faucets to a Slow Drip: Allowing a small trickle of water to flow through the pipes can help relieve pressure and keep water moving, which can prevent freezing.
- Insulate Pipes: Once thawed, consider insulating your pipes to prevent future freezing.
If you experience a burst pipe, act quickly:
- Water Supply: Immediately turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage.
- Water Extraction: Contact professionals like Advanced 24/7 Restoration for immediate water extraction and damage restoration.
- Address Mold Growth: After extraction, it’s crucial to address any potential mold growth resulting from the water damage.
How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing in Cold Weather
You can take several proactive steps to prevent frozen pipes from bursting. Included below are three easy actions you can take:
- Ensure that your home is adequately heated, especially in cold weather. Even when you are away, maintain a temperature above 55°F (13°C) to prevent freezing.
- During extreme cold, let faucets drip to keep water flowing and reduce the likelihood of freezing.
- Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks that allow cold air in. Seal cracks in walls, around windows, and doors to minimize cold air exposure.
- Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape, especially in unheated areas like basements and attics.
- Keep cabinet doors open during cold weather to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
- During extreme cold, maintain a consistent thermostat setting.
You might have the chance to thaw frozen pipes before they burst. When temperatures drop, check your pipes and act quickly to get them thawed out before they burst.
What to Do Immediately After Your Pipes Burst
If pipes have burst in your home or building, you’ll probably need flood cleanup services, especially if the damage is severe.
- Call a Restoration Expert: The sooner you contact a restoration company, the better. Advanced 24/7 Restoration offers comprehensive water damage restoration services, including water extraction, mold remediation, and structural repairs.
- Document Damage: Take photos and keep records of the damage for insurance purposes.
- Work with Your Insurance: Report the damage to your insurance company to start the claims process.
When to Call the Professionals for Burst Pipe Cleanup
More often than not, cleaning up after a burst pipe isn’t a DIY job. If your pipes have burst, you are in an emergency situation, and that’s why the teams at Advanced 24/7 Restoration are here to respond to your emergency day or night. We are specialists in water damage restoration, emergency water extraction, mold prevention, and structural repairs from burst pipes.
Don’t wait until the damage worsens. Take proactive steps to protect your home this winter. With expert service and 24/7 availability, Advanced 24/7 Restoration is here to help restore your home safely, completely, and without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover essential tips in our “Frequently Asked Questions” for what to do if pipes freeze. Stay prepared and protect your home!
What causes pipes to freeze?
Pipes can freeze when temperatures drop below freezing, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, and exterior walls. Insufficient insulation, drafts, or leaving faucets dripping can increase the risk.
Is it safe to use a heat gun or blowtorch on frozen pipes?
No, using a heat gun or blowtorch can be extremely dangerous and may damage the pipes. Stick to safer methods like a hairdryer, space heater, or heating pad.
What if I can’t locate the frozen section of the pipe?
If you can’t identify where the pipe is frozen, consider warming the entire area of the suspected pipe route. If you still can’t find it, contact a plumber.
When should I call a plumber?
If the pipe remains frozen after trying to thaw it, or if you suspect a burst pipe, contact a plumber immediately.
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