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Frozen & burst pipes
Frozen or Burst Pipe? Act Fast
Michigan cold snaps freeze pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages and hose bibs. A frozen pipe can split, and the leak starts when it thaws. Call (734) 228-7852.
- Safe thawing
- Burst pipe repair
- Hose bibs
- Freeze prevention
Request a Plumber
Tell us what is going on. We call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. For water running right now, call (734) 228-7852.
No obligation. By sending, you agree we may call, text or e-mail you about this request. Calls may be recorded. Privacy Policy
Right now
Frozen or Burst Pipe: What to Do
If a pipe has burst
- Shut off the main water valve. Then open the lowest faucet in the house to drain the lines.
- Switch off electricity to wet areas if you can do it safely from a dry spot.
- Call (734) 228-7852. Move belongings, mop up and take photos for insurance while you wait.
If a pipe is frozen but not leaking
- Open the faucet it feeds. Moving water helps it thaw, and relieves pressure.
- Warm the area, not the pipe directly. Open cabinet doors and raise the heat. A hair dryer moved along the pipe is fine.
- Never use an open flame. Torches start fires, and heat can burst the pipe.
- Call if you can’t find or reach it, or if several lines are frozen.
Why pipes freeze
Where Pipes Freeze in Michigan Homes
- Supply lines in exterior walls, especially behind kitchen sinks
- Crawl spaces and unheated basements
- Garages and lines over garages
- Hose bibs left connected to a hose
- Lines near gaps in the rim joist or foundation
- Sump pump discharge lines outdoors
After a repair, we look at why that line froze and what will stop it happening again: insulation, sealing air leaks, frost-free hose bibs or rerouting.
Prevention
Keep Pipes From Freezing
Before winter
Disconnect hoses, shut and drain outdoor faucets from the inside valve, and insulate pipes in unheated spaces.
During cold snaps
Keep the heat on (even when away), open sink cabinets on outside walls and let a faucet drip on the most exposed line.
For good
Frost-free hose bibs, sealed rim joists and rerouting lines away from cold walls stop the same pipe freezing every year.
FAQ
Frozen Pipe Questions
How do I know if a pipe is frozen?
A faucet that gives only a trickle, or nothing, during very cold weather while others work, frost on an exposed pipe, or a toilet that won’t refill. Start at the faucet and work back along the pipe to the coldest spot.
Can a frozen pipe thaw on its own?
It can when the weather warms, but if the pipe has split you won’t know until water pours out. Thaw it carefully while you are home and watching, with the faucet open.
Why did my pipe burst after it thawed?
Ice expanding inside the pipe can split it while frozen; the ice plugs the crack. When it melts, water flows out through the split. That is why a frozen pipe should be checked once thawed.
Are PEX pipes less likely to burst?
PEX tolerates freezing better than copper because it can stretch, but it can still burst, and the fittings can fail. Insulation and keeping the space warm still matter.
Should I leave faucets dripping in a cold snap?
On lines in exterior walls or cold spaces, a slow drip of both hot and cold helps keep water moving and relieves pressure. It costs a little water but much less than a burst pipe.
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Frozen or Burst Pipe? Call Now
Shut off the main if water is leaking, then call (734) 228-7852.
Request service
Tell Us What’s Going On
Send a few details and we will call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. We answer 24/7: for water running or sewage backing up right now, call (734) 228-7852.
- 24/7 emergency service, nights, weekends and holidays
- $99 diagnostic fee, applied to the repair
- Financing: 25 months same as cash, on approved credit
- The price explained before work starts
- Call(734) 228-7852
- Service areaAnn Arbor & Washtenaw County
- LicensingMichigan plumbing license #A111705
Request a Plumber
Tell us what is going on. We call you back to talk it through and set up a visit. For water running right now, call (734) 228-7852.
No obligation. By sending, you agree we may call, text or e-mail you about this request. Calls may be recorded. Privacy Policy