Winter Pipe Care: How to Prevent, Manage, and Recover from Frozen or Burst Pipes

1/13/2025 (Permalink)

Winter weather doesn’t have to mean disaster—prevent frozen pipes, act quickly, and minimize damage if one bursts.

SERVPRO® Winter Pipe Care: How to Prevent, Manage, and Recover from Frozen or Burst Pipes

As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen and burst pipes increases. Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to your property, but with the right preparation and quick action, you can prevent costly repairs and disruptions. Here are essential tips to help you stay ahead of winter’s challenges.

Part 1: How to Keep Pipes From Freezing

Preventing frozen pipes starts with proactive measures. Here’s how you can keep your pipes flowing even during the coldest days:

• Keep your thermostat consistent: Set your thermostat to the same temperature day and night to avoid drastic temperature drops that can cause pipes to freeze.
• Let faucets drip: During extreme cold, allow faucets to drip slightly to keep water moving, which helps prevent freezing.
• Open cabinet doors: If you have pipes under sinks, open the cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around them.
• Insulate exposed pipes: Protect pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, or crawl spaces with insulation to reduce the risk of freezing.

By staying proactive, you can protect your home or business from the costly damage frozen pipes can cause.

Part 2: What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If your pipes do freeze, don’t panic. Follow these steps to address the problem quickly:

1. Turn on the faucet: Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. This helps relieve pressure and allows water to flow once the ice melts.
2. Apply heat: Use a heating pad, hair dryer, or warm towels to thaw the frozen section. Start near the faucet and work your way down the pipe. Never use an open flame!
3. Monitor progress: Be patient as you thaw the pipe. If you can’t locate the frozen area or restore water flow, call a professional plumber for assistance.

Taking swift action can help minimize the risk of the pipe bursting and causing additional damage.

Part 3: What to Do If a Pipe Bursts

A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. Here’s what to do:

1. Shut off the water supply: Turn off your home’s main water supply to stop further flooding.
2. Turn off electricity: If water is near electrical systems or outlets, turn off the power to avoid electrical hazards.
3. Call a plumber: Contact a licensed plumber to repair the damaged pipe.
4. Contact SERVPRO of Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin: Burst pipes can leave behind significant water damage. Our team is available 24/7 to provide professional water damage cleanup and restoration.

Winter weather doesn’t have to lead to disaster. By taking preventive measures, acting quickly when pipes freeze, and knowing what to do if a pipe bursts, you can protect your property and minimize damage. If you need assistance with water damage or restoration, SERVPRO of Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin is here to help anytime, day or night. Give us a call today!