Preventing Frozen Pipes This Winter: How to Protect Your Home & How Dri Right Restoration Can Help
As temperatures drop and winter settles in, homeowners face a seasonal challenge that can quickly turn from an inconvenience into a costly disaster: frozen pipes. When water freezes inside your plumbing, it expands—creating enough pressure to rupture even durable pipes. The result? Sudden flooding, structural damage, mold growth, and a stressful mess during an already busy and sometimes overwhelming time of year.
At Dri Right Restoration, we see firsthand how fast frozen pipes can lead to widespread water damage. The good news is that with a few preventative steps—and a trusted restoration partner—you can protect your home and get peace of mind all winter long.
Why Pipes Freeze in the First Place
Pipes are at greatest risk of freezing when:
● Temperatures drop below 20°F
● They run through uninsulated or unheated spaces (attics, crawlspaces, garages, exterior walls)
● There is poor air circulation or cold drafts near plumbing
● Water sits idle for long periods (common during holiday travel)
When the water inside the pipe freezes, it creates pressure that can cause the pipe to burst once the ice begins to thaw, sending water spraying into walls, ceilings, floors, and cabinets.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes at Home
1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Use foam pipe insulation on any plumbing exposed to cold air. This is inexpensive, quick to install, and extremely effective.
2. Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent
Even if your home is empty, avoid lowering your thermostat below 55°F. A slightly higher energy bill is much cheaper than major water damage repairs.
3. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
Allowing a slow trickle keeps water moving so it’s less likely to freeze.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
This helps warm air circulate around pipes under sinks—especially along exterior walls.
5. Seal Cracks and Drafts
Cold air sneaking into basements or crawlspaces can cause sudden drops in temperature around plumbing. Weather-stripping and caulking can make a big difference.
6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Leaving hoses attached can cause ice to back up into indoor pipes.
7. Have Someone Check Your Home if You’re Traveling
A small leak can become a big leak fast. Having a neighbor or family member stop by during your holiday trip is a smart precaution.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Here’s what to do:
● Turn off your water supply immediately.
● Gently warm the frozen pipe using a hairdryer or space heater (never an open flame).
● Keep faucets open as the ice melts.
● Call a professional if you’re unsure where the freeze occurred.
And if the pipe bursts…
Dri Right Restoration Is Here When You Need Us
A burst pipe can dump hundreds of gallons of water into your home within minutes. Quick action is essential to prevent long-term damage.
Dri Right Restoration can help by providing:
● 24/7 emergency response
● Water extraction and structural drying
● Mold prevention and remediation
● Advanced moisture detection
● Full restoration to get your home back to normal
We know how stressful winter water damage can be—especially during the holidays. Our trained restoration professionals respond quickly, work efficiently, and help you navigate the process from start to finish so you can focus on what matters most.
Stay Safe and Warm This Winter
A little preparation goes a long way in preventing frozen pipes. But if the unexpected happens, you’re not alone. Dri Right Restoration is just a phone call away and ready to restore your home with care, expertise, and reliability.