Homes in colder climates are built with deep freezes in mind. Many Atlanta-area homes aren't. Pipes in crawlspaces, exterior walls, attics, and garages are often lightly insulated or not insulated at all. When temperatures drop into the low 20s for a night or two, burst pipes become one of the most common causes of water damage calls across the metro area.

Why Pipes Burst

The ice itself usually isn't what splits the pipe. When water freezes in one section, it builds up pressure in the water trapped between the ice and a closed faucet. The pipe often bursts in a spot that never froze at all. Many leaks also don't show up until the thaw, when water starts flowing through the broken section again.

Before Cold Weather Arrives

  • Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outdoor spigots if you have an interior shutoff for them. A hose left attached traps water in the hose bib.
  • Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, attics, garages, and unheated areas. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install.
  • Seal drafts near pipes, such as gaps around dryer vents, crawlspace vents, and where pipes enter the house.
  • Close crawlspace vents during freezing weather if your home has them, then reopen them when it warms up.
  • Find your main water shutoff and make sure it actually turns. Old valves often stick right when you need them.

When a Hard Freeze Is in the Forecast

  • Let faucets drip on exterior walls, both hot and cold. Moving water is far less likely to freeze, and an open faucet relieves pressure.
  • Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks so warm air reaches the pipes.
  • Keep the thermostat steady, including overnight, rather than setting it back.
  • Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through the garage.

If You're Traveling

Winter trips are when frozen pipes cause the most damage, because a leak can run for days before anyone notices. Leave the heat on, set no lower than about 55°F, and ask someone to check the house during a cold snap. For longer trips, you can shut off the main water valve and drain the lines by opening the faucets.

If a pipe has already frozen: If you turn on a faucet and get only a trickle, keep it open. Gently warm the pipe with a hair dryer or space heater kept a safe distance away, and never use an open flame. If you can't find the frozen section, or it's inside a wall, shut off the main and call a plumber.

If a Pipe Bursts

Shut off the main water valve right away, turn off power to any wet areas, and photograph the damage. A burst pipe can release a lot of water in a short time. Starting extraction and drying quickly keeps the damage to wet drywall and flooring instead of a full rebuild.