If Your Pipes Freeze: Immediate Steps to Reduce Damage
Frozen pipes are one of the most common—and costly—winter emergencies homeowners face. When water freezes inside plumbing, it expands and creates pressure that can cause pipes to crack or burst. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home within minutes.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, acting quickly can help prevent major property damage. While you wait for the team at Watermark Restoration Solutions to arrive, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk.
Step 1: Turn Off the Main Water Supply
One of the first things you should do is shut off the main water supply to your home.
The first sign of a frozen pipe is often reduced or completely stopped water flow from a faucet. Don’t ignore this warning. Turning off the main water valve can prevent major flooding if the pipe bursts while frozen.
Knowing where your main shutoff valve is located before winter arrives is one of the most important preparations homeowners can make.
Step 2: Open Faucets to Relieve Pressure
After shutting off the main water supply, open faucets throughout your home.
Even if water isn’t flowing, opening the valves helps relieve pressure inside the plumbing system. If the frozen pipe begins to thaw, water will have somewhere to escape instead of building pressure that could cause the pipe to rupture.
Step 3: Apply Gentle Heat to the Pipe
If the frozen section of pipe is accessible, you can attempt to warm it gradually.
Safe ways to apply heat include:
Using a hair dryer
Wrapping the pipe in warm towels
Placing a space heater nearby (at a safe distance)
Never use an open flame or torch to thaw pipes. Rapid or uneven heating can cause the pipe to burst.
Slow, steady warmth is the safest approach.
Step 4: Identify Visible Signs of Freezing
If you notice frost or ice forming on the outside of a pipe, you may have located the frozen section.
However, many frozen pipes are hidden behind walls, ceilings, or floors. If you suspect a freeze in a concealed area, stop attempting to thaw the pipe and contact professionals.
Restoration specialists use moisture detection equipment and thermal imaging to safely locate frozen areas and assess the risk.
Step 5: Increase Indoor Temperature
While waiting for professional help, raise the temperature inside your home—especially in areas with exposed plumbing such as:
Basements
Crawl spaces
Attics
Utility rooms
Opening cabinet doors under sinks can also allow warm air to circulate around pipes and help the thawing process.
When to Call the Professionals
A frozen pipe situation can escalate quickly. Acting fast helps minimize damage and prevents a burst pipe from flooding your home.
If you suspect frozen pipes—or if a pipe has already burst—contact a professional restoration team immediately.
At Watermark Restoration Solutions Inc., our team is available 24/7/365 to respond to water damage emergencies throughout Southeast Michigan.
Need Emergency Water Damage Restoration?
If your pipes freeze or burst this winter, our team is ready to help restore your property quickly and safely.
📍 Watermark Restoration Solutions Inc.
4023 S Old US Hwy 23, Suite 115
Brighton, MI 48114
📞 248-278-6166
🌐 www.wrspros.com
📧 info@wrspros.com
Watermark Restoration Solutions — Clean, Safe & Dry.
