{"id":2358,"date":"2026-01-19T14:07:59","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T14:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/blog\/how-to-prevent-frozen-water-pipes-and-what-to-do-if-you-couldnt-prevent-it\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T14:07:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T14:07:59","slug":"how-to-prevent-pipes-from-freezing","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/blog\/how-to-prevent-pipes-from-freezing\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent Frozen Pipes and What to Do to Unfreeze Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Expert tips from PuroClean of Ann Arbor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#why-do-pipes-freeze-in-ann-arbor-homes\">Why Do Pipes Freeze in Ann Arbor Homes?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-water-pipes-freeze-and-why-its-so-dangerous\">How Water Pipes Freeze (And Why It\u2019s So Dangerous)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-prevent-pipes-from-freezing-in-ann-arbor\">How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing in Ann Arbor<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#1-drain-outdoor-water-lines\">1. Drain outdoor water lines<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2-disconnect-and-drain-outdoor-hoses\">2. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3-insulate-vulnerable-pipes\">3. Insulate vulnerable pipes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4-keep-water-moving\">4. Keep water moving<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#5-keep-garage-doors-closed\">5. Keep garage doors closed<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#6-open-cabinet-doors\">6. Open cabinet doors<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#if-youre-leaving-home-during-winter\">If You\u2019re Leaving Home During Winter<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-unfreeze-frozen-pipes-safely\">How to Unfreeze Frozen Pipes (Safely)<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#1-locate-the-frozen-pipe\">1. Locate the frozen pipe<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2-open-the-faucet\">2. Open the faucet<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3-thaw-from-the-faucet-outward\">3. Thaw from the faucet outward<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4-use-safe-thawing-methods\">4. Use safe thawing methods<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#\u26a0\ufe0f-safety-warning\">\u26a0\ufe0f Safety Warning<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-to-do-if-a-pipe-bursts\">What to Do If a Pipe Bursts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#need-help-after-frozen-pipe-damage\">Need Help After Frozen Pipe Damage?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter in Ann Arbor can be beautiful \u2014 but it also brings dangerously cold temperatures that can cause major damage to your home. One of the most common winter emergencies we respond to is<a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/blog\/frozen-pipe-damage-in-dexter\/\" data-type=\"blog\" data-id=\"20934\"> <strong>frozen pipes<\/strong><\/a>. When water freezes inside your plumbing, it expands and can cause pipes to burst, leading to extensive water damage in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <strong>PuroClean of Ann Arbor<\/strong>, we see this happen every year. Many homeowners don\u2019t realize the risk until it\u2019s too late. Below is a complete guide to understanding why pipes freeze, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-do-pipes-freeze-in-ann-arbor-homes\"><strong>Why Do Pipes Freeze in Ann Arbor Homes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pipes are most at risk when they\u2019re exposed to freezing temperatures \u2014 especially if they\u2019re located in unheated areas or along exterior walls. In Ann Arbor, the most common problem areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Basements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crawl spaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Garages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kitchen and bathroom cabinets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outdoor hose bibs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sprinkler lines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several factors contribute to pipe freezing in Michigan homes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Old or deteriorating plumbing systems<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Poor insulation or uninsulated walls<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extreme wind and cold fronts<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sudden temperature drops<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Corroded pipes that weaken over time<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When pipes freeze, the water inside expands and that pressure can cause the pipe to crack or burst. In many cases, the damage isn\u2019t discovered until water starts leaking inside walls, damaging floors, ceilings, or carpets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-water-pipes-freeze-and-why-its-so-dangerous\"><strong>How Water Pipes Freeze (And Why It\u2019s So Dangerous)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water behaves differently than most substances. When it cools, it becomes denser \u2014 until it reaches <strong>32\u00b0F<\/strong>, when it expands and turns to ice. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">expansion increases water volume by about <strong>11%<\/strong>, creating tremendous pressure inside the pipe.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pressure from freezing water can reach <strong>50,000 to 114,000 psi<\/strong>, which is more than enough to burst even strong metal or plastic pipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When pipes burst, water can quickly spread through your home, damaging:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Flooring and carpets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drywall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrical systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finished basements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why preventing frozen pipes is crucial \u2014 and why acting fast is essential if a pipe does freeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-puroclean-of-ann-arbor wp-block-embed-puroclean-of-ann-arbor\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"0fNc9II6fe\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/blog\/frozen-pipes-vs-bursting-pipes-in-ann-arbor\/\">Frozen Pipes vs. Bursting Pipes: What\u2019s the Difference and Why It Matters During the Holidays<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Frozen Pipes vs. Bursting Pipes: What\u2019s the Difference and Why It Matters During the Holidays&#8221; &#8212; PuroClean of Ann Arbor\" src=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/blog\/frozen-pipes-vs-bursting-pipes-in-ann-arbor\/embed\/#?secret=qCjMw8pOMX#?secret=0fNc9II6fe\" data-secret=\"0fNc9II6fe\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-prevent-pipes-from-freezing-in-ann-arbor\"><strong>How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing in Ann Arbor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are practical steps you can take to protect your home during cold weather:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-drain-outdoor-water-lines\"><strong>1. Drain outdoor water lines<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After using your sprinkler system or pool supply lines, drain them completely. Avoid using antifreeze if possible \u2014 it can harm pets, wildlife, and landscaping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-disconnect-and-drain-outdoor-hoses\"><strong>2. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disconnect hoses from hose bibs, drain them, and store them indoors. Close the indoor valve supplying the hose bib, then open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-insulate-vulnerable-pipes\"><strong>3. Insulate vulnerable pipes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check pipes located in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Use pipe insulation sleeves or UL-listed heat tape to protect exposed pipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-keep-water-moving\"><strong>4. Keep water moving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allow a faucet to drip slightly during extremely cold nights. Moving water is less likely to freeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-keep-garage-doors-closed\"><strong>5. Keep garage doors closed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have water supply lines in the garage, keep the doors closed to maintain warmer temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-open-cabinet-doors\"><strong>6. Open cabinet doors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Be sure to keep cleaning supplies out of reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"if-youre-leaving-home-during-winter\"><strong>If You\u2019re Leaving Home During Winter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you plan to be away for several days during winter, follow these steps to prevent frozen pipes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set the thermostat no lower than <strong>55\u00b0F<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shut off the main water supply<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drain pipes and leave faucets open<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arrange for a neighbor to check the home daily<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have emergency numbers ready, including a plumber and PuroClean of Ann Arbor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Service your HVAC system and sump pump<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider backup power for your sump pump<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn off the water heater before leaving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean gutters and downspouts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Install storm windows and close shutters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These steps can reduce the risk of a major water damage event while you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-unfreeze-frozen-pipes-safely\"><strong>How to Unfreeze Frozen Pipes (Safely)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you suspect a pipe is frozen, here\u2019s what to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-locate-the-frozen-pipe\"><strong>1. Locate the frozen pipe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Turn on all faucets. If one faucet has no water or only a trickle, the pipe leading to it may be frozen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-open-the-faucet\"><strong>2. Open the faucet<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe to relieve pressure and allow water to flow once thawing begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-thaw-from-the-faucet-outward\"><strong>3. Thaw from the faucet outward<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start thawing near the faucet and work toward the frozen section. This helps prevent pressure buildup and bursting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-use-safe-thawing-methods\"><strong>4. Use safe thawing methods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can thaw exposed pipes using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A hairdryer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hot towels wrapped around the pipe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electric heat tape<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For pipes hidden behind walls, try increasing indoor heat or using an infrared lamp aimed at the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"\u26a0\ufe0f-safety-warning\"><strong>\u26a0\ufe0f Safety Warning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Never use open flames like torches, propane heaters, or charcoal stoves. These methods can cause fires and still may not prevent a burst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-to-do-if-a-pipe-bursts\"><strong>What to Do If a Pipe Bursts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a pipe bursts, act immediately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shut off the main water valve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Call a plumber<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Call PuroClean of Ann Arbor<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our technicians are available <strong>24\/7<\/strong> to evaluate and remediate water damage quickly and efficiently. We will help restore your home and reduce the risk of mold growth or structural damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"need-help-after-frozen-pipe-damage\"><strong>Need Help After Frozen Pipe Damage?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re dealing with a frozen or burst pipe in Ann Arbor, <strong>PuroClean of Ann Arbor is here to help<\/strong>. We offer fast, professional water damage restoration services to get your home back to normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udcde <strong>Call us anytime \u2014 24\/7 \u2014 for<a href=\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/blog\/water-damage-restoration-in-barton-hills\/\" data-type=\"blog\" data-id=\"20644\"> emergency water damage restoration.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Water bursting through frozen pipes is a common sight in homes during periods of very cold weather.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":869,"featured_media":4988,"template":"","blog-category":[12],"class_list":["post-2358","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-category-water-restoration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/2358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/869"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/2358\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/ann-arbor-mi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=2358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}