A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water before you catch it. The resulting damage -- drywall, insulation, flooring, furniture -- routinely runs $15,000--$30,000. The good news: frozen pipes are almost entirely preventable with a few low-cost steps.
Why pipes freeze and burst
Water expands when it freezes. Pipes in exterior walls, unheated spaces (garage, crawl space, attic), and near drafty areas are most vulnerable. The pipe doesn't burst while it's frozen -- it bursts when it thaws and the crack you may not even see lets water flow. This is why burst pipe damage often happens in the morning after a cold night, not during the cold snap itself.
Prevention: what actually works
These steps reliably prevent frozen pipes:
- ✓Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces -- foam pipe insulation costs $1--$2 per foot and installs in minutes
- ✓Keep the thermostat at 55°F minimum even when away -- heat bills are far cheaper than water damage
- ✓Let faucets drip slightly on the coldest nights -- moving water freezes at lower temperatures
- ✓Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate
- ✓Disconnect and drain garden hoses and shut off exterior hose bibs
- ✓Seal gaps where cold air enters near pipes (drafty rim joists, cracks in the foundation)
If pipes freeze
Turn off the main water supply immediately -- before the pipe thaws. Then carefully warm the pipe with a hair dryer, electric heating pad, or warm (not boiling) wet towels. Never use an open flame. Once the pipe thaws, slowly turn the water back on and watch carefully for leaks. If you can't locate the freeze or aren't comfortable, call a plumber -- don't let a pipe thaw unattended.
Bottom line
Know where your main water shutoff is -- this is the single most valuable piece of information in a burst pipe emergency. The first thing you do is turn it off. Then call a plumber.
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