Turn off the main water supply to prevent bursting. Then, try to gently warm the pipe using a space heater, hair dryer, or warm towels until you can reach a certified plumber from our team. Avoid using open flames. If the pipe is inaccessible or already damaged, call Vanguard Plumbing immediately.

Insulate exposed pipes, turn off outside water spigots, and keep your home heated to at least 55°F. Keep in mind, the outside walls may be much colder than the location of your thermostat, so higher temperatures may be necessary during colder months. Also, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach pipes, and let faucets drip during extreme cold to keep water moving.

Signs include visible cracks in the pipe, water leakage, reduced water pressure, strange noises from the plumbing, and unexpected water damage or flooding. Bursted pipes may also extinguish the pilot light on your furnace and cause electrical problems.

It depends on the damage. If the pipe hasn’t burst, thawing it carefully can restore function. If it has cracked or burst, it will need repair or replacement.

In many cases, insurance covers damage from burst pipes if the homeowner has taken reasonable steps to prevent freezing. However, gradual, long term leaks, or neglect and maintenance issues may not be covered. It’s the homeowners responsibility to maintain heat and utilities.