Fixing Burst or Frozen Pipes (1206)

During periods of severe cold weather, it is not unusual for water pipes in homes to freeze. This is most common for pipes located in unheated or poorly heated parts of the building, such as crawl spaces, attics and exterior walls. If the severe cold persists for a long enough time, the force of the freezing water can cause pipes to burst. Subsequent flooding can occur when broken pipes thaw, unless the water supply is shut off.

To reduce the chances of frozen pipes, a variety of measures can be taken. Thermostatically controlled heat tape, made for this purpose, can be applied to pipes subject to freezing. This product is available in hardware stores and home centers. As an emergency measure, simply opening hot and cold water taps, allowing a continuous trickle of water, can help protect individual pipes from freezing. As a last resort, it may be necessary to relocate pipes that have frequent freezing problems. Wrapping insulation around pipes will lower the rate at which they chill down and freeze, but does not provide significant protection.

If pipes are frozen: open the faucets or valves to affected appliances (such as washing machines and toilets). This relieves built-up pressure in the pipes, caused by the expanding ice. It is this pressure build-up that causes pipes to burst. If there is any evidence of broken or leaking pipes, be prepared to shut off the water supply. If the shut-off doesn’t operate, or you don’t know how to do this, seek professional help.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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