
Keep Your Pipes in Shape
Winter can cause a lot of problems for homeowners and business owners alike. As things cool down in some areas of the country, temps will drop below freezing. And with those temps, we have frozen pipes starting to happen. This is why it is important to know why frozen water pipes burst and how to keep pipes from freezing, along with what you can do for frozen pipe repair if they do freeze. Read on as we discuss these things and more about frozen water pipes.
First, let’s discuss how to find a frozen pipe. By knowing this, you can quickly determine if you have an isolated frozen pipe or a major frozen pipe issue. First, you need to turn on all water faucets. One faucet with little or no water pressure is likely because that one water line is frozen or busted and you can expect possible frozen pipe repair.
if every water faucet you turn on has low or no water pressure, then there is a frozen waterpipe close to the water main or water meter. A frozen pipe repair may be on the city size of the water main. If it is on your side, this could be a problem with just one pipe instead of several water pipes busting.
So, what to do if a pipe is frozen?
You need to thaw the frozen pipe, but first, turn all the water faucets on and leave them open. As the water unthaws and creates steam, open faucets will allow the pipes to discharge the water and steam, keeping their pressure minimal.
How do you unfreeze a frozen pipe?
One method is to wrap an electric heating pad around the pipe or hold a handheld hair dryer over the pipe. If you don’t have either of these available, then soak towels in hot water and wrap them around the pipe. This method will require rewetting the towels every 15 to 20 minutes, or even more frequently.
Depending on the condition of the pipes, be prepared for them to burst. This will require that the water be turned off immediately until unfrozen and frozen pipe repairs are complete. Additional notes of advice:
- Keep applying the heat until the water flow starts and returns to a normal flow. Once a pipe is successfully thawed, check for any busted pipes throughout your home.
- Any interior walls or frozen pipe repair should be handled swiftly. A busted water pipe inside a wall can a serious situation resulting in severe damage that will need a lot of repairs and replacements beside the water pipes. If necessary, cut a hole into the wall to the inside of the house that will allow warm air to reach the pipes.
Will a frozen pipe thaw on its own?
Eventually, yes, but it will take longer. Letting pipes thaw on their own can take days, and each night, as the temperatures drop below freezing again, they will refreeze. This thawing and the refreezing process can lead to busted pipes which can cause significant damage. Being proactive in the thawing process is recommended to minimize the possible need for frozen pipe repairs.
How long does it take for a frozen pipe to burst?
The average for water pipes to freeze is four to five hours. Factors that can make this happen faster or slower is where the pipe is located and if it has any protection. Pipes on the north side of your home will freeze faster than pipes on the south side.
If you haven’t wrapped or otherwise protected your pipes, they’ll freeze faster than those that are protected. Water pipes won’t necessarily burst. Sometimes it is when they begin to thaw and pressure from the water flowing is what will cause them to bust. This is why it is important to begin a slow thawing process as soon as you notice they are freezing or frozen.
How do you know if a frozen pipe has burst?
Once the temperature is above freezing and things are beginning to thaw, turn the water on with any faucet. If there is a slow trickle or no water, you probably have a busted pipe. Turn all faucets and water-using appliances off then check the water meter. If it is moving, you have a busted water pipe somewhere.
Are frozen pipes covered by insurance?
Nope, homeowner’s insurance does not pay for the repair of frozen water pipes that busted. However, most policies will pay for any damage caused by the busted pipes. This includes the ceiling, floors, and walls, which repairing can cost more than the busted water pipes.

In Closing – Prevention Is Key
A few things you can do when you know the temperature is dropping below freezing and there are strong north winds coming in:
- Insulate all the water pipes, especially those on the north side of your home.
- Keep the garage door closed if you have an attached garage.
- Open all the bathroom and kitchen cabinets under the sinks.
- Turn all the faucets on to a slight drip or trickle.
- Keep the thermostat at a consistent setting that keeps the house warm and leave the heat on even if you’re not going to be home.
- Seal up any cracks, gaps, and openings under the house, around the plumbing, doors, and windows.
- Keep all the interior doors open.