When temperatures drop across Carroll, Baltimore, Frederick, Howard, Harford, and Anne Arundel counties, frozen pipes become one of the most common and costly winter problems homeowners face. Water expands as it freezes, putting enormous pressure on pipes until they crack or burst. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home in a matter of hours, soaking floors, walls, and belongings.
The good news is that frozen pipes are largely preventable. With a few simple habits and some inexpensive preparation, you can protect your home through even the harshest Maryland cold snaps. Here is what we recommend.
Know Which Pipes Are Most at Risk
Not every pipe in your home is equally vulnerable. The pipes most likely to freeze are the ones exposed to severe cold, especially those with little or no insulation.
Pay the closest attention to:
- Pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages
- Pipes running along exterior walls
- Outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and sprinkler systems
- Plumbing under kitchen and bathroom sinks on outside walls
Once you know where your trouble spots are, you can focus your prevention efforts where they matter most.
Insulate and Seal Before the Cold Hits
The most effective long-term protection is good insulation. Foam pipe sleeves and insulation wrap are available at any hardware store, cost very little, and slide right over exposed pipes. For pipes in especially cold spots, heat tape or heat cable rated for plumbing use adds another layer of protection.
While you are at it, seal up the gaps that let frigid air reach your pipes. Use caulk or spray foam to close cracks around the spots where pipes pass through walls and floors. Even a small opening can let in enough cold air to freeze a nearby pipe.
Do not forget the outside of your home. Disconnect, drain, and store garden hoses before the first hard freeze, and shut off and drain the water supply to outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
Keep Warm Air Moving on Cold Nights
When a serious cold snap arrives, a few small actions can make a big difference:
- Let faucets drip. Allowing a slow trickle of water to run from faucets served by vulnerable pipes relieves pressure and keeps water moving, which makes freezing much less likely.
- Open cabinet doors. Open the doors under sinks so warm room air can reach the plumbing, especially on exterior walls.
- Keep the heat on. Set your thermostat to the same temperature day and night. The extra heating cost is far cheaper than repairing a burst pipe.
- Never let the house drop below 55 degrees, even if you are away. If you travel during winter, ask someone to check on the house, or set the heat and shut off the main water supply.
Know What to Do if a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Act quickly, because a frozen pipe can burst at any moment.
Keep the faucet open so that water can flow as the pipe thaws. Apply gentle heat to the frozen section using a hair dryer, a portable space heater kept away from flammable materials, or towels soaked in hot water. Start near the faucet and work back toward the cold spot. Never use an open flame or a blowtorch, which is a serious fire hazard and can damage the pipe.
If you cannot locate the frozen area, cannot reach it, or the pipe has already burst, shut off your main water valve right away and call a professional. It helps to know where your main shutoff is located before an emergency happens, so take a minute to find it today.
When a Pipe Bursts, Act Fast
Even careful homeowners get caught off guard by an extreme freeze. If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water supply immediately, then turn off electricity to any affected areas if it is safe to do so. The faster you stop the water and begin drying things out, the less damage you will face and the lower the risk of mold taking hold.
Water from a burst pipe spreads quickly and seeps into drywall, subflooring, and insulation where you cannot see it. That is where professional help matters. As a woman-owned, IICRC-certified restoration company, Clean Sweep Enterprises responds quickly to water damage and flood damage emergencies throughout Central Maryland. We extract standing water, dry out the structure properly, and address any mold removal needs before they grow into a bigger problem. You can see all of the communities we serve across the region.
Get Help When You Need It
A little prevention goes a long way, but if winter still finds a way into your pipes, we are here to help. Clean Sweep Enterprises offers fast, reliable emergency restoration when you need it most.
If you are dealing with a burst pipe or water damage, call us at (410) 840-0422 or request a free estimate. Our team will help you get your home dry, clean, and back to normal.