Guide · Frozen and burst pipes
Frozen Pipes in a Philadelphia Winter: Prevent, Thaw, Act
Most burst pipes in Philadelphia happen on the coldest nights, in exterior walls, back additions and basements. A few habits prevent most of them. Here is what to do before, during and after.
Philadelphia rowhomes and twins have a few weak spots: supply lines in exterior walls, kitchens in uninsulated back additions, crawl spaces, and basements with cracked window wells. When the temperature drops into the teens, those are the pipes that freeze.
A frozen pipe often splits while it is still frozen and only leaks when it thaws, sometimes a day later. If yours already burst, skip to the steps on our burst pipe water damage page and shut the main.
Before the cold snap: how to prevent frozen pipes
- Know where your main shutoff is. In most Philadelphia rowhomes it is in the basement on the front wall where the water line enters. Make sure it turns, and that everyone in the house can find it in the dark.
- Keep the heat on, including when you travel. Do not set the thermostat low to save money on the coldest nights. An empty house in January is where many bursts start.
- Open cabinet doors on exterior walls. Under-sink cabinets on outside walls trap cold air. Opening them lets house heat reach the pipes.
- Let a faucet drip on the coldest nights. A slow drip on the faucet farthest from the main relieves pressure and keeps water moving.
- Seal and insulate the cold spots. Close basement window wells and foundation cracks, insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces and back additions with foam sleeves, and disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots from inside.
If a pipe is frozen: how to thaw it safely
- Signs: a faucet that only trickles or gives nothing, frost on an exposed pipe, or a bulge in the line
- Open the faucet the pipe feeds so melting water and steam can escape
- Warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer, a space heater kept well clear of anything that can burn, or warm towels, starting nearest the faucet
- Never use an open flame, a torch or a propane heater on a pipe
- If the pipe is inside a wall you cannot reach, or you see a split, shut the main and call a plumber
If it bursts: what to do right away
Shut the main water valve, turn off power to wet areas if you can reach the panel from a dry spot, and move valuables out of the water. Photograph the damage before cleanup. Then call a plumber for the pipe and a restoration company for the water.
Onyx answers 24/7 for water damage restoration across Philadelphia. We extract the water, measure what is wet behind walls and under floors, dry it, and rebuild what had to come out.
Burst pipes and insurance
Sudden damage from a burst pipe is often covered, but policies can exclude damage when a home was left unheated. Read does homeowners insurance cover water damage and check your policy before winter.
FAQ
Common questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Pipes in exposed or uninsulated spots are at risk when outdoor temperatures fall to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below, especially for several hours or overnight.
Is a burst pipe an emergency?
Yes. A burst supply line can release a large amount of water quickly and it keeps spreading into walls and ceilings. Shut the main water valve first, then call for help.
What does a frozen pipe bursting sound like?
Sometimes a pop or bang, then hissing or running water when no faucet is on. Many people hear nothing and find the leak when the pipe thaws.
Should I call a plumber or a restoration company for a burst pipe?
Usually both. The plumber repairs the pipe. The restoration company removes the water, dries the structure and repairs the damage so mold does not start.
Next step
Pipe burst? Shut the main, then call.
Onyx answers 24/7. We will tell you what to do until the crew arrives, then handle the water and the repairs.
Call 267-353-7953Not an emergency? Request a callback online and Onyx will call to confirm a time.