A burst pipe from a single below-freezing night can flood a home and cost $5,000-$30,000 to repair. Here's prevention.
Before the first freeze
Disconnect outdoor hoses. A hose traps water in the bib pipe. When it freezes, pipe bursts. Drain outdoor spigots. Indoor shut-off valves: turn off, open spigot outside to drain. Insulate exposed pipes. Foam insulation ($1-2 per 6ft) on any pipe in garage, crawl space, attic, exterior wall. Find your main shut-off valve. Test it. Drain sprinkler system.
During a deep freeze (below 20°F)
Let faucets drip on exterior walls (hot AND cold). Open cabinet doors under sinks against exterior walls. Keep heat on — never below 55°F even when away. Watch for frozen pipe signs: no flow, frost on pipes, bulging, gurgling.
If a pipe is frozen but not burst
Open the faucet. Apply gentle heat (hair dryer, heat lamp — never flame) starting from the faucet side, working back.
If a pipe bursts
- Shut off main water
- Open all faucets to drain
- Cut power near water
- Call us: (410) 417-6350
- Document for insurance