Frozen or Burst Pipes? Emergency Fixes Every Homeowner Should Know

Imagine you wake up on the coldest morning of the year, hop into the shower for some warmth, and find the water doesn’t even turn on or even worse, gushes out too quickly and floods your bathroom.

The culprit? A frozen or burst pipe.

Frozen and burst pipes are a common issue many homeowners face in the winter.

By knowing what causes frozen and burst pipes and what you can do to resolve (and prevent) them, you can save your sanity and bank account during these colder months.

Causes of frozen and burst pipes

Frozen pipes occur when temperatures drop quickly and the water inside them gets cold enough to freeze, often stopping water flow entirely. 

Burst pipes, on the other hand, happen when frozen pipes begin to thaw and the extreme  pressure splits them open, releasing large amounts of water into areas of the home that were never meant to get wet.

Burst pipes often lead to flooding, hidden moisture issues, and mold growth—often within only 24 to 48 hours.

“Lack of insulation is the biggest reason pipe issues arise in the winter. Pipes in attics, crawlspaces, garages and similar spaces can freeze first without thermal protection,” says Bert Miskell, owner at BPM Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Frederick, MD.

Low temperature settings over a long period of time can also cause pipes to freeze.

“You might think you’re saving money by cutting off the heat when you’re away on vacation during the winter, but may come back to a major surprise of a frozen or burst pipe as a result,” explains Miskell. 

How to remedy them

Once you realize you’re dealing with a frozen or burst pipe, there are certain steps you should take immediately.

“For a frozen pipe, turn off the water supply and begin warming the pipe with a hair dryer, space heater, or increased temperature around your home,” says Miskell. 

Then, start thawing the pipe near the faucet and work backwards. Once thawed, open the faucet to let the steam and water escape.

“For a burst pipe, shut off the water main immediately and open the faucets to let the remainder of the water drain out,” explains Miskell. 

Don’t forget to take photos in case you need them for your insurance company, dry the area as best you can to prevent mold, and call a licensed plumber as soon as possible.

What happens if you ignore pipe issues

Ignoring a frozen pipe can quickly turn into a burst pipe, which is a recipe for disaster. 

Fortunately, you simply can’t ignore a burst pipe as gallons of water will be pouring into your home the moment that freeze thaws. Mold is also a given.

“Water damage will spread fast. Even a small split can cause thousands of dollars in repairs,” says Miskell. 

Being proactive and preventing pipe problems in the first place is your best bet.

“Before the cold and winter set in, get your furnace and heater serviced. If your heating system is functioning correctly, your pipes can stay warm all winter,” says Joseph Wade, vice president of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Frederick, MD. 

Also, if you have outdoor pipes that will be exposed to freezing temperatures and you won’t be using them, shut off the water supply. Additionally, insulate the pipes you cannot shut off. 

“Pipe sleeves, heat tape, or heat cables can be found at your local hardware store and are great for unheated areas inside and outside your home,” adds Wade.