How to Prevent Frozen Pipes and Winter Plumbing Disasters

Winter can turn a quiet night into a plumbing nightmare. The temperature drops, the wind howls, and suddenly—pipes freeze, split, and leak water everywhere. It’s stressful, inconvenient, and often expensive.

At Aaton Plumbing, we’ve responded to countless emergency plumbing calls each winter. Our licensed plumbers know exactly what causes pipes to freeze and how to protect your home from winter plumbing disasters. Here’s how you can keep your home safe, dry, and comfortable all season long.

Why Pipes Freeze and Burst ❄️

Water is a tricky thing. When temperatures dip below freezing, the water inside your pipes starts to solidify. As it freezes, it expands—think of a soda can left in the freezer, swelling until it bursts. The same thing can happen inside your walls.

Most vulnerable spots? Pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, garages, and even in exterior walls. Poor insulation, cracks in foundations, or even a drafty basement window can be the weak links in your home’s armor.

When the pressure from expanding ice gets too high, the pipe cracks. Once temperatures rise or someone turns on the tap, water pours out of the break. According to the International Plumbing Code (IPC), all plumbing systems should be protected against freezing, especially in cold climates.

Common risk factors:

• Pipes running through unheated spaces
• Thin or missing insulation
• Gaps and cracks letting in cold air
• Long periods of low or no heat in the house
• Sudden drops in temperature

A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a single day—enough to soak floors, ruin drywall, and create lasting headaches.

Proactive Steps Homeowners Can Take

The best way to tackle frozen pipes? Stop them before they start. Here’s how to winterize your plumbing and keep those pipes flowing freely:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap foam sleeves or insulation tape around pipes in basements, attics, and garages. Pay extra attention to pipes near exterior walls.
• Seal gaps and cracks: Use caulk or expanding foam to block holes where pipes enter the house. Even a little draft can make a big difference.
• Drain outdoor spigots: Disconnect hoses, drain the line, and shut off the water supply to outside faucets.
• Keep the heat on: Even when you’re away, keep your thermostat at least 55°F. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes.
• Let faucets drip: On bitter cold nights, a slow trickle can prevent pressure build-up and freezing.

These steps align with recommendations from the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and most local building guidelines. A little preparation goes a long way.

Signs of Frozen Pipes

How can you tell if trouble is brewing? Here are early warning signs that a pipe may be frozen:

• No water (or only a trickle) comes from a faucet
• Frost or ice visible on the outside of a pipe
• Strange smells—a blocked pipe can push odors back into the house
• Bulging, cracked, or noisy pipes

If you notice any of these, act fast. The sooner you respond, the better your chances of preventing a burst.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

You turn on the tap. Nothing. Panic? No need. Take a breath and follow these safe thawing tips:

1. Shut off the main water supply. This stops more water from flooding your home if the pipe bursts.
2. Open the faucet. This lets steam and water escape as the ice melts.
3. Apply gentle heat. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Start near the faucet and work your way back. Never use an open flame or propane torch—these are fire hazards and not approved by safety codes.
4. Check for leaks as the pipe thaws. If you spot a crack, keep the water off and call for emergency plumbing help.

Sometimes pipes are hidden or too risky to thaw yourself. That’s when it’s time to call a licensed plumber. They’ll use safe, code-compliant methods to thaw the line and check for damage.

Quick Safety Checklist 🛠️

• Keep your thermostat steady, day and night
• Insulate pipes in unheated spaces
• Seal all gaps, cracks, and holes near plumbing
• Drain and shut off exterior water lines before winter
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is located
• If leaving town, ask a neighbor to check your house during cold snaps

Small steps, big peace of mind.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

Some winter plumbing fixes are safe for homeowners. Others? Not so much.

DIY:

• Adding pipe insulation or wrapping with towels
• Letting faucets drip overnight
• Sealing cracks with caulk or foam

Call a pro:

• Thawing pipes you can’t access or see
• Major leaks or water damage
• Persistent low water pressure after a freeze
• Gas Line Installation or repair (always requires a licensed plumber for safety)

Professional plumbers follow local building codes and use specialized equipment. We see things that most homeowners miss.

What Pros Do On Arrival

When you call Aaton Plumbing for emergency plumbing, here’s what happens:

• Assessment: We locate the freeze and inspect all vulnerable pipes.
• Safe thawing: Using electric pipe thawers or heat blankets, we gently warm pipes without risking fire or further damage.
• Leak detection: Pressure tests and thermal cameras help us spot cracks you can’t see.
• Repairs: We fix or replace any damaged sections, following code and safety standards.
• Advice: Our plumbers recommend upgrades or insulation improvements to prevent a repeat.

Everything is documented, and we never leave a mess behind. Our approach follows guidelines from the National Standard Plumbing Code.

Prevention & Maintenance

Prevention is always cheaper than cleanup. Consider these long-term solutions:

• Install pipe insulation throughout your home, especially in older or drafty buildings.
• Upgrade to frost-proof spigots for outdoor faucets.
• Schedule annual plumbing check-ups before the cold hits. We inspect, test, and tune-up everything from sump pumps to water heaters.
• Add leak detection devices that alert you to problems before they escalate.
• Backflow prevention—make sure your plumbing protects your drinking water from contamination.

Routine maintenance can also catch problems like water pressure issues, aging pipes, or failing sump pumps—long before they turn into emergencies.

Costs & Time Factors

Frozen pipes don’t just threaten your comfort—they can hit your wallet. Here’s what to expect:

• Insulating pipes: Typically takes a few hours, material costs are reasonable.
• Emergency plumbing repair: Costs and time vary based on damage. Simple thawing may take an hour, while burst pipe repairs can require several hours and parts.
• Water damage restoration: The longer a leak goes unnoticed, the more expensive cleanup becomes—think flooring, drywall, and even mold remediation.

The sooner you act, the less it costs. Inspections and winterization are always more affordable than repairs after a disaster.

When It’s an Emergency 🚨

If you spot water gushing from a wall or ceiling, or if your heating system quits during a cold snap, that’s a true plumbing emergency. Call for help right away.

Other red flags:

• Strong sewage smells (possible sewer line break)
• Gas odors near appliances (if you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and call emergency services)
• Water pooling around your water heater or boiler

Don’t wait for things to get worse. Prompt response means less damage and a faster return to normal.

FAQ

Q: How cold does it have to be for pipes to freeze?
A: Pipes can start freezing at 32°F (0°C), but most problems happen when temps drop below 20°F (-6°C), especially with wind chills and drafts.

Q: Will letting my faucets drip really help?
A: Yes! A slow drip keeps water moving, reducing pressure build-up and making freezing less likely.

Q: Can I use a space heater to thaw pipes?
A: Only if it’s safe and supervised. Never leave heaters unattended, and don’t use open flames. Always follow manufacturer and building code recommendations.

Q: How do I know if I need professional help?
A: If you can’t find the frozen section, suspect a burst, or see water damage, call a licensed plumber. Emergency plumbing services are the safest bet.

Local/Seasonal Considerations

Every winter is a little different. In colder regions, deep freezes can last for days or weeks. Homes with basements or crawl spaces face extra risks. Newer homes are built to higher code standards, but older properties may need upgrades—especially in areas where winter storms are unpredictable.

If you’ve recently added a bathroom, kitchen, or new appliance, be sure the plumbing is winter-ready. Services like Gas Line Installation near you should always be performed by a licensed pro familiar with local safety codes.

Cold snaps don’t wait. Don’t let frozen pipes ruin your winter. For emergency plumbing help or to schedule a winterization check-up, Call Aaton Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  877-362-1997 .