Every winter, homeowners face the same choice, whether they realize it or not: spend a little time protecting their pipes now, or risk dealing with a frozen or burst pipe later. For homeowners across Montgomery County and Delaware County, a few cold nights in a row can be all it takes for an exposed pipe to freeze.
The good news is that preventing frozen pipes is usually simpler than repairing them. Here’s what causes pipes to freeze, where to look, and the steps you can take before the cold settles in.
Why Frozen Pipes Are Worth Taking Seriously
When water freezes, it expands. Inside a pipe, that expansion builds pressure, and the pipe can crack or split. The damage often isn’t obvious right away. A frozen pipe may not leak until it thaws, and by then water can be running into a wall, ceiling, or basement.
That’s why prevention matters. A frozen pipe can mean more than a plumbing repair. It can mean drywall, flooring, and belongings that need to be dried out or replaced.
Where Pipes Are Most Likely to Freeze
Pipes in warm, heated parts of your home are rarely the problem. The risk is highest wherever pipes run through cold or unheated spaces, such as:
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Garages
- Attics
- Cabinets on exterior walls, like a kitchen or bathroom sink
- Outdoor spigots and the pipes that feed them
If you’ve had a pipe freeze before, start there. Pipes that froze once are likely to freeze again unless something changes.
The Prevention Route: What You Can Do Now
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install on exposed lines in unheated spaces. For pipes in especially cold areas, or pipes that have frozen in the past, consider having them properly insulated or assessed by a plumber before temperatures drop.
Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Spigots
Outdoor hose bibbs are one of the most common places for a pipe to freeze. Before the first freeze:
- Disconnect and drain all garden hoses
- Close the indoor shut-off valve that feeds each outdoor spigot, if you have one
- Open the outdoor spigot to let any remaining water drain out
If your spigot still drips after the valve is closed, or you don’t have an indoor shut-off at all, a plumber can repair it or replace it with a frostproof model.
Let Warm Air Reach Your Pipes
During extremely cold weather, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors where plumbing is located along exterior walls. This allows warmer household air to circulate around exposed pipes and helps reduce the risk of freezing. Keep hazardous cleaning products away from children and pets. Keep your thermostat at a steady temperature, day and night.
Don’t Turn the Heat Off When You Travel
When traveling during winter, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F. Consider maintaining a higher temperature during extreme cold, particularly if your home has plumbing along exterior walls or in poorly insulated areas. For extended absences, consider having your plumbing system professionally winterized.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Is
Every homeowner should know where their main water shutoff valve is located and how to operate it. If a pipe bursts, immediately shutting off the water can significantly reduce damage to your home. If you’re unsure where your shutoff valve is located or whether it operates properly, Fosh Plumbing & Heating can help you identify and evaluate it.
Keep Your Heating System in Good Shape
Your pipes depend on your heating system to stay above freezing. A heating system inspection before winter can help catch problems before they leave your home, and your pipes, without heat.
The Repair Route: What Happens If a Pipe Freezes
Signs a Pipe May Be Frozen
- A faucet that only trickles or won’t run at all
- Frost on an exposed pipe
- Gurgling sounds from pipes
- Discolored water
What to Do
If you think a pipe is frozen, leave the faucet open. Never attempt to thaw frozen plumbing with a torch, propane heater, or other open flame. Extreme heat can damage pipes and surrounding materials and may cause a fire. If you suspect a frozen pipe, locate your main water shutoff valve and contact a licensed plumber, particularly if the pipe is inaccessible or shows signs of damage. Keep electrical devices away from any area where water is present. If you see signs of a leak or a split pipe, shut off the main water supply right away.
Watch for Hidden Leaks After a Freeze
A pipe that froze and thawed can develop a slow leak that you don’t see right away. Warning signs include unexplained wet spots on walls or ceilings, a musty smell, the sound of running water when nothing is on, or a water bill that’s higher than usual. Fosh works with dedicated leak detection partners to help find leaks behind walls, under floors, and under concrete.
Prevention Usually Wins
Most of the steps above take an afternoon and cost very little. Dealing with a burst pipe can mean an urgent repair, water cleanup, and damage to your home. When it comes to frozen pipes, preparing ahead of time is usually the easier choice.
For homeowners who want help staying ahead of problems, Fosh’s Service Club memberships include an annual inspection, priority service, and member discounts on service and repairs.
When to Call the Pros
Some prevention steps are easy to handle on your own. Others, like insulating hard-to-reach pipes, replacing an outdoor spigot, winterizing plumbing systems, and repairing a burst pipe, are best left to a professional.
Fosh Plumbing & Heating has been helping homeowners throughout Montgomery County, Delaware County, and the Greater Philadelphia area since 1993. Our plumbing services include winterizing and de-winterizing systems, frostproof hose bibs, and leaky pipe detection, and our heating services include burst pipe and pipe insulation services. Call us at (610) 496-5700 or contact us online to get your pipes ready for winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature do pipes freeze at?
Water freezes at 32°F. Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated spaces are most at risk when outdoor temperatures stay well below freezing for several hours, especially overnight.
Can a frozen pipe burst?
Yes. As water freezes, it expands and builds pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to crack or split. The leak often shows up once the pipe thaws.
How do I know if a pipe is frozen?
The most common sign is a faucet that only trickles or won’t run at all during cold weather. You may also see frost on an exposed pipe.
Should I try to thaw a frozen pipe myself?
It’s safest to leave the faucet open and call a plumber. Never use an open flame, and keep electrical devices away from any area where water is present.
Does insulating my pipes really help?
Yes. Insulation helps pipes in unheated spaces hold onto warmth longer, which lowers the chance of freezing during a cold snap. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your plumbing in winter.
Related guides: Winterizing Your Pipes: A Guide for Homeowners · How to Prevent Frozen Pipes · How to Prepare Your Pipes for Winter