A burst pipe is one of the biggest nightmares for any Metro Detroit homeowner. It can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars in water damage, repair costs, and weeks of home disruption. For residents in Oakland and Macomb counties, knowing how to prevent freezing pipes is essential.
At Great Dane, our certified plumbing experts have been serving the Metro Detroit area since 1999. Our goal is to provide you with the trustworthy information and practical steps needed to protect your home when outdoor temperatures dip below freezing.
How Pipes Freeze and Burst
Understanding why pipes burst is the first step toward prevention. The common misconception is that the ice itself simply cracks the pipe. In reality, the issue is expansion and pressure.
Water is unique in that it expands when it freezes, creating immense pressure between the frozen blockage and the nearest closed faucet. This added pressure is what causes the pipe to fracture, often far from the actual ice blockage.
A single burst pipe can leak up to 250 gallons of water per day. In less than an hour, this can result in catastrophic flooding, structural damage, and the potential need for significant remediation.
High-Risk Leak Locations in Your Metro Detroit Home
- Pipes located along uninsulated exterior walls.
- Plumbing in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages.
- Pipes routed behind kitchen or bathroom cabinetry that are not exposed to circulating heat.
- Outdoor pipes, including those for hose bibs, sprinkler systems, and irrigation lines.
Winter Plumbing Maintenance Tips
Prevention is the most effective strategy. By taking a few practical, preventative steps now, you can drastically reduce the likelihood of a pipe emergency this winter.
1. Focus on Exterior Lines
All external water sources must be properly prepared before the first hard freeze.
- Drain Outdoor Hoses and Spigots: Disconnect and completely drain all garden hoses. Turn off the interior water supply valve (usually located in the basement or utility room) that feeds the outdoor spigots. Leave the outdoor faucet open so any remaining water can drain out.
- Irrigation and Pool Systems: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult a professional to ensure your swimming pool and in-ground sprinkler systems are completely drained and “winterized.”
2. Strategic Pipe and Component Insulation
Insulation is your primary physical barrier against freezing temperatures.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap any exposed water lines in unheated areas (basement, attic, crawl space) with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. This is a small investment that offers a huge return in protection.
- Improve Warm Air Circulation: On especially cold days, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors beneath sinks. This allows warm air from the room to circulate around the pipes located along exterior walls.
- Keep Garage Doors Closed: If there are water supply lines in your garage, ensure the door remains closed at all times, especially overnight.
3. Maintain Consistent Heat and Flow
Controlling the internal environment is critical for preventing internal freezing.
- Set a Minimum Temperature: Never set your Metro Detroit home’s thermostat lower than 55°F, even if you plan to be away for a long period. This maintains enough residual heat to protect interior walls and pipe systems.
- Know the Critical Zone: Be especially diligent when the outdoor temperature is expected to drop below 20°F (the threshold where pipe freezing risk increases significantly).
- The Trickle Method: When temperatures drop drastically below freezing, allow a small, pencil-thin trickle of room-temperature water to run from a few faucets, particularly those along exterior walls. Running water is far less likely to freeze, and the continuous flow helps relieve pressure in the system.
How to Spot a Frozen Pipe
Even with the best preparation, a frozen pipe can still occur. Recognizing the early warning signs is key to preventing a burst.
Recognize the Warning Signs
The most obvious indicator is a significant decrease or total loss of water flow at a particular fixture. This suggests an ice blockage somewhere in the line.
Additionally, look for:
- Visible Frost on an exposed pipe section.
- Damp Patches appearing on walls or ceilings, which may indicate a small leak or fracture has already occurred before a full burst.
Take immediate action if you notice any of these signs. Turn off the main water supply and call Great Dane to prevent a burst.
How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe
If you suspect a pipe is frozen, act quickly and carefully:
Keep the Faucet Open: Ensure the faucet connected to the frozen pipe remains open. As the frozen area starts to melt, water will begin to flow, which helps melt the remaining ice and relieves pressure.
Apply Heat Safely: You can try to warm the suspected area using a safe heat source.
- Wrap the pipe with towels soaked in hot water.
- Use a heating pad, electric hair dryer, or small portable space heater.
Crucial Safety Warning: Exercise extreme caution when using electrical devices near water. Never use an open flame device like a propane torch, as this is a major fire hazard and can cause irreversible damage to the pipe itself.
If the frozen area is near electrical wiring or is difficult to access, do not attempt a DIY fix. Immediately call a professional Great Dane plumber.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
If a pipe bursts, immediate action is paramount to minimizing damage:
- Shut Off the Main Water Supply: Locate and turn off your home’s main water shutoff valve immediately. This should be your first step in any water emergency. Knowing this location before an event occurs is non-negotiable. We recommend locating and labeling your main shutoff valve today—it’s your most important tool in an emergency.
- Shut Off Nearby Electricity: If the burst pipe is near electrical outlets or appliances, shut off power to that area at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shorts and electrocution hazards.
- Mitigate Immediate Damage: Start collecting the water with buckets. Once the water is off, use working fixtures (sinks, tubs) to drain any remaining water from your plumbing system.
- Call Great Dane: Once the immediate flow is stopped, call our professional plumbing team right away. We specialize in emergency pipe repair and will arrive quickly to restore your system.
- Document Damage: Before repairs begin, take detailed photos and videos for your insurance company.
Don’t leave the integrity of your home to chance this winter. The team at Great Dane has the expertise, equipment, and dedication to ensure your plumbing system is robust enough to handle the coldest Southeast Michigan days.
Your Nearby Metro Detroit Plumbing Experts
For urgent pipe repair, or any other plumbing needs, trust the local experts who have been serving your Metro Detroit community for decades. For a free consultation, call Great Dane today at (586) 422 1259 Book Online.
