How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Why Pipes Freeze and Burst

Water expands when it freezes, and that pressure can crack any pipe, no matter how strong. According to the American Red Cross, the pipes most at risk are:

• Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines
• Pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen cabinets
• Pipes along exterior walls with little or no insulation

Do These 3 Things Now

These are easy to do while the weather is still mild.

1. Drain your outdoor hoses. Disconnect and store them. Close the inside valve to each outdoor faucet, then open the outside faucet so leftover water can drain.

2. Insulate exposed pipes. Start with crawl spaces, attics, garages, and under sinks. Foam pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape work well on both hot and cold lines.

3. Find your main water shutoff valve. If a pipe bursts, you'll want to shut off the water in seconds. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.

When Nights Get Close to 32°F

Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially on exterior walls. This lets warm air reach the pipes. Move cleaning products out of children's reach.

Let faucets drip. A slow trickle on faucets served by exposed pipes keeps water moving.

Keep the heat steady. Once your heat is on, set the same temperature day and night. A slightly higher bill costs far less than a burst pipe.

Close your garage door if water supply lines run through it.

Checking For Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Check along exterior walls and where your water line enters the home. Then:

• Keep the faucet open.
• Warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer, heating pad, or hot towels.
• Never use a torch, propane heater, or open flame.
• If you can't find or thaw it, call a licensed plumber.
• Check your other faucets. If one pipe froze, others may have too.

Why Homeowners Call Barex

A burst pipe is stressful enough. Choosing who to call shouldn't add to it. Every restoration company says 24/7. Here's what you can expect from us:

We explain before we recommend. You'll understand what we found and why we're recommending a solution.

We document what we find. Clear information makes your next steps easier to understand, including when you talk to your insurance company.

If a pipe does burst, shut off the main water valve first, then call. Every hour matters, because water keeps moving through walls and floors while you decide what to do. We'll walk you through what we find and what needs attention now, and you decide before any work begins.

Our team handles water damage restoration in Atlanta. Want to know what to expect? Read our guide to the water damage restoration process, from start to finish.