Cold winter temperatures can be tough on your home, and few problems are as stressful as frozen or burst pipes. When water freezes, it expands, putting intense pressure on pipes and increasing the risk of cracking or bursting. If frozen pipes aren’t dealt with quickly, they can lead to serious water damage, flooding, and costly repairs. Haven Builders is here to help homeowners know what to do when pipes freeze (and how to prevent it from happening in the first place!) to save time, money, and frustration.

Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen

Frozen pipes don’t always burst right away, but there are common warning signs to look out for:

• No water/reduced water flow from faucets
• Frost or condensation on exposed pipes
• Unusual odors coming from drains
• Strange noises when turning on a faucet.

Pipes located in exterior walls, basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics are especially vulnerable during cold weather.

What to Do Immediately If Your Pipes Freeze

If you suspect your pipes have frozen, acting quickly is critical to keep damage to a minimum. 

• Shut Off the Water Turn off your home’s main water supply right away to prevent flooding if a pipe bursts when the ice thaws.

• Open the Faucet Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe to relieve pressure and allow water to flow once the ice starts melting.

• Gently Warm the Pipe Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels to slowly thaw the pipe. Start near the faucet and work your way back. *Never use open flames or torches as they can damage pipes or cause a fire.

• Watch for Leaks As the pipe thaws, check for cracks or leaks. Even tiny fractures can cause water damage behind walls or under floors.

• Call a Professional If a pipe has burst or water damage has already occurred, it’s time to contact a professional restoration team like Haven Builders. 

When Frozen Pipes Lead to Water Damage

Burst pipes can release hundreds of gallons of water in a very short time, soaking drywall, flooring, insulation, and structural materials. Even after visible water is removed, moisture trapped inside the walls or under floorboards can lead to mold growth and long-term damage. Haven Builders is here to help with professional water restoration services for homeowners to recover quickly. Our team handles:

• Water extraction and drying
• Structural drying and moisture detection
• Repairs and restoration after water damage

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in the Future

Prevention is the best way to avoid frozen pipes and water damage.

• Insulate Exposed Pipes Add insulation to pipes in unheated areas like basement, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls

• Keep Your Home Warm Maintain consistent indoor temperatures of at least 55ºF, even when you’re away. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.

• Let Faucets Drip Allowing a slow drip during extreme cold helps prevent pressure buildup and freezing.

• Seal Drafts Close gaps around doors, windows, and anywhere pipes enter your home to block cold air. 

• Winterize Vacant Properties If your home or cabin will be unoccupied, drain the plumbing system or keep the heat set to a minimum of 55ºF. 

Trust Haven Builders for Water Restoration Services

Frozen pipes can happen even in the most well-maintained homes, but quick action makes all the difference. If your home experiences water damage from frozen or burst pipes, Haven Builders is here to help! Our experienced team provides reliable water restoration services, helping homeowners protect their property, prevent further damage, and restore their home safely. Contact us today for a free inspection and for peace of mind when you need it most.