Winter Tips for Taking Care of Water Pipes
Ah, yes…it’s that time of year again! When the temperature drops below freezing, one of the scariest things that can happen to homeowners is a burst water pipe. When water freezes, it expands. Your home’s water pipes always contain a certain amount of water within them…water that will freeze when the mercury falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The expanded water can exert up to 2000 pounds of pressure per square inch against the sides of your pipes, causing them to burst.
When a pipe bursts, up to several hundred gallons of cold water can drain into your house each hour. Imagine the thousands of dollars of damage a burst pipe can do!
The easiest way to avoid the hassle and expense of burst water pipes is to prevent them from freezing in the first place. When the forecast calls for low temperatures:
- Allow a thin trickle of water to flow from your faucets at all times.
- Open the cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom so pipes can access warmer room air.
If your pipes do freeze (but have not burst), your next step is to defrost them immediately.
🔍 Step 1: Identify the Frozen Pipe
Turn on every faucet in the house to determine which lines are blocked. If none work, the issue is likely in a main line. If only some fail, the problem is with individual pipes.
Leave all affected faucets open—water needs somewhere to go once the ice melts.
🔎 Step 2: Check Vulnerable Locations
Frozen pipes often occur in:
- Basements and crawlspaces
- Attics
- Pipes near concrete walls or cold air vents
- Outdoor water lines
Inspect the pipes for cracks or leaks. If you find any:
Shut off your home’s main water supply immediately and call a professional plumber.
🔥 Step 3: Safely Thaw the Pipe
Only use safe thawing methods such as:
- Hair Dryer – Keep it moving and avoid direct contact with the pipe.
- Heat Tape – Wrap once and plug in to activate its gentle heating elements.
- Space Heater or Heat Lamp – Warm the air near the pipe (never directly against it).
- Hot Towels – Wrap around the pipe, but remove once they cool.
- Salt + Warm Water (for drains) – Pour slowly; do not use boiling water.
⚠️ Never use a blow torch or open flame—you will damage the pipe and risk a fire.
🧊 If the Pipe Is Behind a Wall
You may need to:
- Turn your home’s heat up to 76–80°F and allow warm air to circulate (may take several hours).
- Cut into the drywall to access the frozen section if thawing is urgent.
Once thawed, monitor the area for leaks. If any develop, contact a plumber.
🌤 A Note for Southern Homeowners
Here in the South, extreme cold snaps are less common—but that can make homeowners less prepared. Even one freezing night can cause blocked faucets, frozen pipes, and costly water damage.
At Ernest Homes, we care deeply about protecting our homeowners—past, present, and future. For more homeowner tips, or to learn about our new construction opportunities, reach out to us by email or call us at 912-660-9673.
Stay warm, stay safe, and stay prepared!
