Frozen Pipes: How to Prevent Them and What Happens When a Pipe Bursts
- Kwik Dry LLC
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of winter water damage in homes and businesses. When temperatures drop below freezing, pipes can freeze, crack, and burst, often flooding an entire property in minutes.
Knowing how frozen pipes happen, how to prevent them, and what to do after a pipe bursts can help you avoid costly repairs and long-term damage.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
Pipes freeze when water inside them is exposed to cold temperatures for extended periods. Areas most at risk include:
Exterior walls
Crawl spaces and attics
Basements and garages
Under sinks on outside walls
Vacant or lightly heated buildings
When water freezes, it expands. This expansion increases pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to crack or split, even if the pipe appears undamaged from the outside.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Winter
Preventing frozen pipes is often easier than dealing with the damage after a pipe bursts. Here are proven prevention steps:
Keep Interior Temperatures Stable
Maintain consistent indoor temperatures, even overnight or when away. Sudden drops in heat increase freeze risk.
Allow Faucets to Drip During Extreme Cold
A slow drip keeps water moving, which reduces the chance of freezing, especially on pipes in exterior walls.
Open Cabinet Doors
Opening cabinets under sinks allows warm air to circulate around plumbing.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Use foam insulation sleeves on pipes in crawl spaces, basements, attics, and garages.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Hoses left attached can trap water and cause exterior pipes to freeze.
Know Your Main Water Shutoff Location
If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water quickly can significantly limit damage.
What Happens When a Frozen Pipe Bursts?
Many people assume pipes burst while frozen, but most burst when they thaw.
As ice inside the pipe melts, water pressure forces its way through weakened areas, releasing large amounts of water into the structure.
Common Damage From a Burst Pipe:
Flooded floors and carpets
Saturated drywall and insulation
Damage to cabinets, baseboards, and flooring
Water spreading through walls and ceilings
Increased risk of mold growth if moisture remains
In commercial properties, burst pipes can also cause business interruption, inventory loss, and safety concerns.
Why Water Damage Spreads So Quickly
Water doesn’t stay where it’s visible. It moves:
Down into subfloors and crawl spaces
Sideways through wall cavities
Into insulation, framing, and structural materials
Even when surfaces feel dry, moisture can remain hidden, leading to long-term issues if not properly addressed.
What to Do Immediately After a Pipe Bursts
If a pipe breaks in your home or business:
Shut off the main water supply immediately
Avoid electrical outlets or panels near standing water
Document visible damage if it’s safe
Do not rely on air drying alone
Proper drying and moisture evaluation are critical to prevent ongoing problems.
Frozen Pipes Can Cause More Than Just a Mess
Frozen pipe damage often extends beyond what you can see. Without proper evaluation, moisture can remain trapped inside walls and floors, creating conditions for mold and structural deterioration.
Understanding the risks and responding quickly can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.
Final Thoughts: Prevention and Preparedness Matter
Frozen pipes are a common winter risk, but they’re often preventable. Taking a few proactive steps during cold weather, and knowing what to do if a pipe does burst, can help limit damage and reduce disruption to your home or business.
If you’d like a winter pipe-freeze prevention checklist or guidance on what to look for after water exposure, those resources are available upon request.
Cold-weather water damage isn’t always obvious right away. If you have questions or need help evaluating a situation, support is available.
📞 417-725-6978 | kwikdrysystems.com