What Do I Do When My Pipes Freeze? A Guide for Homeowners

As winter temperatures plummet, the risk of frozen pipes becomes a significant concern for homeowners. Approximately 250,000 homes in the U.S. are affected by frozen pipes each year, leading to over $1 billion in property damage. While snowstorms, icy sidewalks, and power outages are common worries during the colder months, frozen pipes are often an overlooked threat that can escalate quickly from a minor inconvenience to a major home emergency.

As the temperature drops, the likelihood of frozen pipes increases, particularly in areas prone to severe winter weather. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), interior water damage caused by frozen pipes is one of the most common reasons for home insurance claims during the winter months. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) notes that policies generally require homeowners to maintain a minimum temperature or shut off the water supply entirely if the home is vacant to prevent such issues.

Claims related to frozen pipes typically average $5,000 in damages per incident. A burst pipe can cause extensive flooding, damaging walls, ceilings, and floors. It often leads to mold and mildew growth, resulting in additional health risks and costly remediation. Homeowners who fail to take necessary precautions may face significant repair costs. You may also face long-term structural damage, making it crucial to prepare before the cold weather sets in.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

Frozen pipes are a widespread problem during the winter months, but understanding the underlying causes can help homeowners take the necessary steps to prevent them. The science behind frozen pipes is relatively simple, yet the consequences can be severe.

The Science of Frozen Pipes

Water has a unique property: it expands as it freezes. Unlike most substances that shrink when they reach freezing temperatures, water increases in volume by about 9% as it transitions from a liquid to a solid. This expansion is one of the main reasons frozen pipes can cause so much damage. When the water inside a pipe freezes, the expanding ice creates pressure inside the pipe. Furthermore, it can build up to over 1,000 pounds per square inch. That pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to significant water damage if not addressed quickly.

While copper and PVC pipes are designed to handle a fair amount of pressure, the pressure from frozen water can easily overwhelm the pipe, regardless of its material. This is especially true when the pipe is already weak or thin It’s also true if there are existing stress points in the system.

When Do Pipes Freeze?

Frozen pipes are most likely to occur when temperatures dip below 32°F (0°C) for extended periods. However, pipes typically start to freeze when the outside temperature reaches about 20°F (-6°C) or lower. This is especially true when they are exposed to these low temperatures for several hours or more. This is why winter weather, particularly in areas prone to extreme cold, can make pipes especially vulnerable.

The risk increases in uninsulated areas where pipes are exposed to the cold. Homes that are poorly insulated or that have exterior pipes are at a significantly higher risk of pipe freeze.

Vulnerable Locations for Frozen Pipes

Certain parts of a home are more susceptible to frozen pipes. These areas are often more exposed to the outside temperature, receive little to no heating, or have inadequate insulation.

• Exposed Pipes in Unheated Areas: Basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces are prime candidates for frozen pipes. These spaces are often not heated during the winter, and the temperature can drop quickly in these areas when the outdoor temperature decreases.
• Pipes Along Exterior Walls: In many homes, pipes are routed through exterior walls, where they are in direct contact with the cold outside. Because exterior walls tend to be poorly insulated compared to interior walls, pipes in these areas are often the first to freeze.
• Outdoor Pipes: Outdoor faucets, hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and sprinkler systems are among the most vulnerable. These pipes are exposed to the elements and lack the insulation that interior pipes benefit from.

Why Do Some Pipes Freeze and Others Don’t?

Not all pipes will freeze in the same conditions. While the outdoor temperature is a major factor, other considerations play a role:

1. Pipe Insulation: Pipes with proper insulation are less likely to freeze because the insulation acts as a barrier that slows down the freezing process. Uninsulated pipes, on the other hand, are more susceptible to freezing.
2. Location of the Pipes: As mentioned earlier, pipes in areas that are not heated or poorly insulated are the most at risk. In addition to attics and basements, areas under kitchen or bathroom sinks, especially if they are against an exterior wall, can be more susceptible to freezing.
3. Flow of Water: Moving water is less likely to freeze. Pipes that are subject to frequent use and flow are at a lower risk compared to pipes that are dormant or rarely used, such as those in spare rooms or exterior fixtures like outdoor faucets.

Signs Your Pipes Are Freezing

It’s crucial to spot the signs of frozen pipes early to prevent a burst. Here are a few common indicators that your pipes may be frozen:

• No Water or Low Flow: If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, it’s a strong indication that one or more pipes have frozen.
• Frost or Ice on Pipes: If you can see visible frost or condensation on exposed pipes, there’s a high likelihood that the water inside them has started to freeze.
• Cold to the Touch: If the pipes feel significantly colder than usual, they might be frozen. In particular, pipes that are against exterior walls are at higher risk.
• Odd Noises: Pipes that are partially frozen may make strange noises like banging, gurgling, or whistling when the water tries to flow through them.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you discover that a pipe has frozen, it’s important to act quickly to avoid it bursting. Here’s how to thaw it safely:

1. Turn on the Faucet: Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. This will help relieve pressure and allow water to flow as the pipe begins to thaw.

2. Apply Heat: Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or portable space heater to thaw the frozen pipe. Start near the faucet and work your way toward the frozen section. Avoid open flames like blowtorches, which can damage the pipe and pose a fire risk.

3. Use Towels or Heating Pads: If you don’t have a hair dryer, wrap the frozen pipe with towels soaked in hot water or use an electric heating pad to apply heat.

4. Check for Other Frozen Pipes: Inspect other exposed pipes in your home, as one frozen pipe may indicate others are at risk.

5. Call a Professional: If you can’t locate the frozen pipe or it’s in an inaccessible area, contact a plumber to handle the thawing process safely.

How to Handle a Pipe that Freezes

A burst pipe can cause significant water damage in your home, but taking immediate action can help minimize the destruction. If you suspect or discover that a pipe has burst, follow these steps:

A burst pipe can cause significant damage, but quick action can help minimize the destruction. Follow these steps immediately if a pipe bursts:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate and shut off the main water supply to your home to stop the flow of water and prevent additional flooding.

2. Turn Off the Electricity: If the burst pipe is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power to those areas to avoid electrical hazards.

3. Drain Faucets: Open all faucets in your home to relieve pressure and allow any remaining water to drain from the pipes.

4. Assess the Damage: Once the water is turned off, check for signs of flooding around walls, floors, and ceilings. Remove wet materials to prevent mold growth.

5. Call a Professional Plumber: If the burst pipe is severe or you can’t locate the damage, call a plumber immediately to fix the pipe and prevent further issues.

6. Begin Cleanup: After the plumber makes repairs, start drying out affected areas with fans or dehumidifiers to prevent mold.

Conclusion

If you’re asking yourself, “what do I do when my pipes freeze,” it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage and ensure your pipes are protected. The key is to act quickly to prevent pipes from freezing before they cause serious damage. Water supply pipes, especially those in uninsulated areas or along exterior walls, are most at risk, along with water sprinkler supply lines and cold water pipes. When frozen, water inside these pipes can create dangerous water pressure that may lead to bursts. To avoid this, make sure to insulate your pipes and maintain warm air circulation in vulnerable areas. If frozen pipes thaw, use safe heating methods like a hair dryer to thaw them quickly and relieve the pressure, restoring water flow. Taking these preventive steps will help protect your water supply lines. It will also prevent costly repairs due to pipe bursts or water damage.

Don’t let frozen pipes cause damage to your home this winter. At Prestige Water Group, we specialize in preventing and solving plumbing issues quickly and efficiently. Whether you need help with frozen pipes emergency plumbing services, or routine maintenance or water treatment, our experienced team is ready to assist. Call 973.227.4740 or email info@pwgroupnj.com today to schedule your service in Northern New Jersey. Let us handle your plumbing needs so you can enjoy peace of mind all year round!

FAQs

Will frozen pipes unfreeze on their own?

Frozen pipes will eventually thaw as temperatures rise, but it’s not recommended to wait for this to happen. The longer a pipe remains frozen, the greater the risk of it bursting. It’s best to thaw frozen pipes as soon as possible. Use safe methods like applying heat with a hair dryer or heating pad.

How do I know if my pipes are frozen?

The first sign of a frozen pipe is usually a lack of water or slow flow from faucets. Frost or ice on exposed pipes or strange noises. Noises include banging or gurgling are also indicators that pipes may be frozen.

What should I do if my pipe bursts?

If a pipe bursts, immediately turn off the main water supply to stop the flooding. Open faucets to relieve pressure, and turn off electricity in the affected areas to avoid electrical hazards. Contact a plumber to repair the pipe and start cleanup once the issue is fixed.