When winter hits hard, it doesn’t just bring the snow and colder temperatures, it brings a real risk to homes and businesses: frozen pipes and water damage. At RestorePro Reconstruction, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a frozen pipe can turn into a full-blown emergency. The good news is, most of this winter-related damage can be prevented with the right steps and a little preparation.
In this blog, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about preventing frozen pipes and minimizing water damage during the coldest months of the year. Whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or a property manager, these tips can help you protect your property and avoid costly repairs.
Key Takeaways
- Frozen pipes can burst and cause severe water damage in minutes.
- Pipes begin freezing when temperatures drop to 20°F or lower.
- Prevent frozen pipes by insulating, keeping heat on, sealing drafts, and letting faucets drip.
- Outdoor faucets and hoses should be disconnected and drained before winter.
- A slow trickle from a faucet may indicate a frozen pipe. Apply heat carefully and call for help if needed.
- Commercial buildings are especially vulnerable and require winter emergency planning.
- Inspect your home or building after cold weather for signs of water leaks or pipe issues.
- RestorePro offers 24/7 emergency water damage response and full-service reconstruction.
- Mold can grow within 24–48 hours after water damage. Quick action is essential.
- Schedule a winter inspection and prep your property before cold weather arrives.
Why Frozen Pipes Are Such a Big Problem
Frozen pipes might sound like a minor inconvenience, but the damage they cause is anything but insignificant. When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands. This expansion creates pressure, and if the pressure gets too high, the pipe can burst, sending water absolutely everywhere.
It doesn’t take long for that water to soak into walls, floors, insulation, and belongings, leading to major structural damage, mold growth, and expensive restoration work. A single burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage within minutes.
The most vulnerable pipes are:
- In unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces
- Near exterior walls without proper insulation
- Under kitchen or bathroom cabinets
How Cold Does It Have to Be for Pipes to Freeze? 
Pipes typically begin to freeze when the temperature outside drops to 20°F (-6°C) or lower, especially if the interior of your home isn’t properly insulated or heated. But wind chill, poor airflow, and insulation issues can cause pipes to freeze at slightly higher temperatures too.
That’s why prevention is key. Once the freeze warning hits, it could already be too late to prevent a problem, so it’s best to act early.
Simple Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes
At RestorePro, we encourage all our customers to follow these basic prevention tips before winter sets in:
1. Insulate Pipes in Cold Areas
Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. Focus on:
- Pipes in unheated basements or garages
- Pipes under sinks or near exterior walls
- Any outdoor water lines or spigots
2. Keep the Heat On
Even if you’re away, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C). This helps maintain a safe temperature inside the walls and crawl spaces where pipes run.
3. Let Faucets Drip
Allowing a slow drip from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes keeps water moving, which makes freezing less likely.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
Let warmer air reach the pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks by opening cabinet doors, especially if the sink is on an exterior wall.
5. Seal Drafts and Cracks
Use caulk or insulation to seal up cracks and openings near pipes, especially where they enter the home. Cold air seeping in can freeze pipes quickly.
6. Disconnect Garden Hoses and Shut Off Outdoor Faucets
Drain outdoor hoses and shut off their water supply from inside. Leave the outdoor faucet open so remaining water can drain.
What To Do If a Pipe Freezes
Despite best efforts, sometimes a pipe still freezes. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, here’s what to do:
- Keep the faucet open. As the pipe begins to thaw, water will start flowing again.
- Apply heat. Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or portable heater (never an open flame) to warm the frozen section.
- Check other pipes. If one is frozen, others might be too.
- Call for help. If you can’t locate the frozen pipe or get it thawed safely, call a licensed plumber, or our team at RestorePro if water damage occurs.
The Danger of Burst Pipes and Water Damage
When a frozen pipe bursts, the damage can be immediate and extensive. Within minutes, hundreds of gallons of water can pour into your home or business. Wood floors can warp, drywall can crumble, and mold can start growing within 24–48 hours.
That’s where we come in.
At RestorePro Reconstruction, we specialize in emergency water damage restoration. From drying out soaked floors to repairing damaged structures, we’ve helped countless property owners bounce back after winter-related water disasters. But we’d much rather help you prevent the damage in the first place.
Winterize Your Property Before It’s Too Late
Getting ahead of winter weather is the smartest way to avoid frozen pipes and expensive repairs. Here are a few ways to winterize your home or business:
Schedule a Pre-Winter Inspection
Have a professional check your insulation, plumbing, and heating systems to make sure everything is up to par before the first freeze.
Install Smart Technology
Water leak sensors and smart thermostats can alert you to freezing temps or unexpected leaks before they become major issues.
Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Have the number for your plumber, HVAC tech, and restoration company (that’s us!) saved and accessible, just in case.
Commercial Properties: Extra Risk, Extra Responsibility
For businesses and commercial property owners, winter weather poses added risks:
- Multiple units or tenants may not maintain consistent heat
- Vacant buildings are often overlooked and unmonitored
- Larger plumbing systems have more exposure points
Make sure your team or building management has a winter emergency plan in place.
After a Freeze: Inspect and Act Fast
Once a cold snap passes, don’t just assume everything’s fine. Do a walk-through and check for:
- Damp spots on ceilings or walls
- Reduced water pressure
- Odd smells or mustiness
- Dripping or gurgling sounds behind walls
Catching problems early can mean the difference between a minor fix and a major restoration project.
RestorePro’s Winter Emergency Services
If the worst happens and a pipe does burst, RestorePro is ready to step in with 24/7 emergency services, including:
- Rapid water extraction
- Drying and dehumidification
- Structural repairs
- Mold prevention and remediation
- Full reconstruction if needed
We’re equipped to handle everything from small residential jobs to large commercial properties, because winter damage doesn’t care what size your building is.
Call RestorePro Before the Cold Sets In
Winter weather doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Whether you need help prepping your pipes or emergency restoration after a freeze, RestorePro Reconstruction is here for you every step of the way.
Our experienced team is proud to serve homeowners and business owners with fast, professional service and real peace of mind. If you’re facing water damage, don’t panic. Call RestorePro, and we’ll get you through it.