Pennsylvania’s Winter Weather Can Turn Your Pipes Into a Homeowner’s Worst Nightmare – Here’s How to Prevent It

When Pennsylvania’s harsh winter weather strikes, temperatures can plummet well below freezing for days at a time, creating the perfect conditions for one of homeowners’ most costly disasters: burst pipes. The average loss related to frozen pipes is $27,000, but the most expensive claim was $1.7 million, according to insurance industry data. With over 250,000 properties affected by frozen pipe damage each winter, understanding how to protect your home is essential for Pennsylvania residents.

Understanding the Science Behind Burst Pipes

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that pipes burst simply because ice expands. However, the reality is more complex. It has more to do with pressure building as the pipe freezes. The resulting pressure from the unfrozen water trapped between the ice and a closed faucet is the primary cause of ruptures in frozen pipes. It’s much more common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F, and for your home’s water pipes to freeze, the outside temperature needs to be below 20 degrees, for a total of at least six consecutive hours.

The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze. This is particularly concerning for Pennsylvania homes, where unheated attics were the most common cause of burst pipes. Many people don’t realize there’s plumbing there, so they don’t think they need to heat that space or install insulation.

Essential Prevention Strategies for Pennsylvania Homeowners

Temperature Control

The most fundamental step in preventing frozen pipes is maintaining adequate temperatures throughout your home. Set home thermostats above 55 degrees during cold weather, even when you’re away from home. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night to avoid temperature fluctuations that can stress your plumbing system.

Keep Water Moving

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing. Focus on the farthest faucet from your main valve, as moving water keeps pipes from freezing.

Insulation and Weatherproofing

Proper insulation is your first line of defense against frozen pipes. Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas. Pipe insulation can cost pennies per linear foot at your local hardware store or home center. In some cases, an investment of a few dollars to protect at-risk pipes could save you thousands of dollars.

Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes by allowing heated air from your home to circulate around plumbing fixtures. Additionally, seal leaks that allow cold air into your home where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.

Outdoor Preparation

Don’t forget about your exterior plumbing. Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you discover frozen pipes, act quickly but safely. Turn on the faucet. As you heat the frozen pipe and the ice plug begins to melt, you want the water to be able to flow through. Running water through the pipe, as cold as it is, will help melt ice in the pipe.

You can do this with an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. However, do not use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame; the high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.

When Disaster Strikes: Professional Water Damage Restoration

Despite your best prevention efforts, burst pipes can still occur during Pennsylvania’s most severe winter weather. When this happens, immediate professional intervention is crucial to minimize damage and prevent secondary issues like mold growth. The resulting mess can lead to thousands in water damage—easily $5,000 or more, making quick response essential.

For Bucks County residents facing water damage from burst pipes, professional Water Damage Restoration in Bucks County, PA services can make the difference between a manageable repair and a devastating loss. Mack’s Mold Removal Company provides expert mold removal services in Bucks County, PA to ensure a safe environment for your home or business.

As a local company that values the health of the Bucks County community, they use trusted techniques to find and address mold in homes and businesses alike. Their goal is to make indoor spaces safer and healthier for everyone. With years of experience and a team of trained professionals, they are committed to providing exceptional services and ensuring the safety and well-being of their clients.

The Importance of Professional Response

Water damage from burst pipes requires more than just mopping up visible water. Professional services don’t just remove water; they find the source and fix it to prevent it from coming back while keeping you informed every step of the way, from inspection to remediation. This comprehensive approach is essential because even if a pipe does not burst, the expanding ice can still cause damage. This can lead to leaks which can cause significant damage over time if they go unnoticed.

Customer satisfaction is their utmost priority. Throughout the process, their team maintains open communication with clients, keeping them informed about the progress and addressing any concerns promptly. This level of service is particularly valuable when dealing with the stress and disruption that water damage can cause.

Conclusion: Prevention is Your Best Investment

Pennsylvania’s harsh winters are inevitable, but burst pipe disasters don’t have to be. By implementing proper insulation, maintaining adequate temperatures, keeping water moving during extreme cold, and preparing your outdoor plumbing, you can significantly reduce your risk. Remember that it’s likely cheaper in the long run to pay a bit more for a warmer home than deal with the cost of repair and cleanup after a burst pipe.

However, if disaster does strike, don’t attempt to handle extensive water damage alone. Professional restoration services have the expertise, equipment, and experience necessary to properly dry, clean, and restore your home while preventing long-term issues like mold growth. The best defense against frozen pipe disasters is prevention. With proper preparation, you can protect your home from costly damage that affects over 250,000 properties each winter.

Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and don’t hesitate to call professionals when you need them. Your home and your peace of mind are worth the investment in proper winter preparation and professional restoration services when needed.