Frozen Pipes: How to Prevent Them and What to Do If One Bursts

When temperatures drop across South Central Pennsylvania, one of the most common calls we get isn’t about fire or storms. It’s about water. A frozen pipe can split without warning, and once it thaws, water can pour into walls, ceilings, and floors before anyone notices.

The good news: most frozen pipes are preventable with a few simple habits. And if one does burst, acting quickly can make a big difference in how much damage you’re left with. Here’s what our team recommends.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Pipes most at risk are the ones in unheated or exposed spaces: basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, kitchen and bathroom cabinets on outside walls, and outdoor spigots.

• Keep the heat on. Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night. If you’re traveling, don’t set it lower than 55°F.
• Let faucets drip. On the coldest nights, let a slow drip run from faucets served by exposed pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
• Open cabinet doors. Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets lets warm air reach pipes on outside walls.
• Insulate exposed pipes. Foam pipe sleeves from the hardware store are inexpensive and easy to install in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
• Seal drafts. Close gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the house. Keep garage doors closed if water lines run through the garage.
• Disconnect garden hoses. Drain and store hoses, and shut off and drain outdoor spigots if you have an interior shutoff valve.
• Know where your main water shutoff is. Find it now, make sure it turns, and show everyone in your home. In an emergency, every minute counts.

Signs a Pipe Has Frozen, and How to Thaw It Safely

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out (or nothing at all), a pipe may be frozen. You may also see frost on an exposed pipe or notice a strange smell from a drain.

If you suspect a frozen pipe:

1. Keep the faucet open. As the ice melts, running water helps clear the rest of the line.
2. Apply gentle heat to the frozen section, starting closest to the faucet. A hair dryer, a heating pad, or towels soaked in warm water work well.
3. Never use an open flame. Torches, propane heaters, and similar devices are a serious fire risk.
4. Check other faucets. If one pipe froze, others may have too.
5. Call a licensed plumber if you can’t find or reach the frozen section, or if the pipe doesn’t thaw.

If a Pipe Bursts: What to Do Right Away

1. Shut off the main water valve. This is the single most important step to limit the damage.
2. Stay safe around electricity. Don’t walk through standing water near outlets or appliances. If water is near electrical panels or outlets and it’s safe to reach your breaker box, turn off power to the affected area. If not, stay out and call for help.
3. Call a licensed plumber to repair the broken pipe.
4. Call ClassONE for water mitigation. Our team removes standing water, sets up professional drying equipment, and monitors moisture until your home is dry. Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours, so fast drying matters.
5. Document everything. Take photos and video of the damage and the broken pipe before cleanup begins, and keep receipts for any emergency expenses.
6. Contact your insurance company to report the loss.

A Note on Insurance

Whether a burst pipe is covered depends on your policy and the details of the loss, and that decision is made by your insurance carrier. Many policies treat a sudden break differently from damage caused by a long, slow leak, so it’s worth reviewing your policy before winter and asking your agent any questions.

ClassONE doesn’t make coverage decisions, but we can help the process go smoothly. We document the damage, work directly with your adjuster, and provide a detailed estimate.

We’re Here When You Need Us

If a frozen or burst pipe leaves water where it shouldn’t be, call ClassONE Property Restoration at 844-4CLASS1 (844-425-2771). Our emergency line is available 24/7, with a 1-hour response for qualifying emergencies. Evaluations are always free.

We serve homes and businesses across Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties.

Together, we’ve got this.