Why Pipes Burst in Winter and How to Prevent It

When the temperature drops below freezing, water inside your pipes starts to turn to ice. As water freezes, it expands by about 9 percent, and this expansion pushes against the pipe walls from the inside. The ice itself acts as a plug, so the pressure from the expanding water has nowhere to go, which can cause the pipe to crack or burst.

A burst pipe is not always obvious right away. The crack might be small, and the leak only becomes visible once the ice thaws and water flows again. That is why you might not notice a problem until the weather warms up, by which time water damage has already spread through walls, floors, and ceilings.

Start by insulating every pipe you can reach, especially those in unheated spaces. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape, and make sure there are no exposed gaps. You can also add insulation to the walls of garages or crawl spaces to keep cold air away from the pipes.

During a cold snap, keep your home heated to at least 55 degrees, even if you are away. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around the pipes. Letting a faucet drip can also help because moving water is less likely to freeze, and it releases pressure if ice does form.

Some pipe bursts are simple to fix, but water damage can be complex. If water has soaked into drywall, insulation, or flooring, you will need to remove and replace those materials. Moisture can also hide behind walls and under floors, leading to mold and structural issues later.

Local water damage pros can handle the cleanup and drying process. They use specialized equipment to extract water and dehumidify the space, which helps prevent mold. If you live in Burnsville, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can act fast in an emergency.