Why Water Pipes Freeze in the First Place
Water expands as it freezes. Inside a closed pipe, that expansion has nowhere to go, which builds pressure between the ice blockage and a closed faucet. Eventually, that pressure can crack the pipe itself, often at a joint or a weak point in the material.
The pipes most at risk are the ones exposed to outside temperatures without much insulation, think crawl spaces, unheated basements, attics, and exterior walls, all of which are common in Michigan's older housing stock.
Signs a Pipe May Already Be Freezing
- No water, or only a trickle, comes out of a faucet during cold weather
- Frost is visible on the outside of an exposed pipe
- You hear banging or clanking sounds in the walls when temperatures drop
- A faucet that worked fine yesterday suddenly stops working today
If you notice any of these signs, treat it seriously. A frozen pipe that has not yet cracked can often be thawed safely, but time matters.
Think a Pipe Might Be Frozen Right Now?
Shut off your main water valve if you can reach it, then call us before it cracks further.
See Emergency Pipe Repair →Prevention Steps That Actually Work
Insulating exposed pipes is the single most effective long-term fix. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and simple to install on any accessible pipe running through a cold space. For pipes at higher risk, self-regulating heat tape adds an extra layer of protection during the coldest stretches.
On especially cold nights, letting a faucet drip slightly keeps water moving through the line, which makes freezing much less likely. Opening cabinet doors under sinks along exterior walls also allows warmer household air to reach the pipes hiding inside.
If you have an exterior hose bib, disconnect the garden hose before the first freeze and, if possible, install a frost-free model, which shuts water off further back inside the wall where it stays warmer.
What to Do If a Pipe Has Already Frozen
Shut off the main water supply if you suspect the pipe has cracked, even before you see active water. Open the nearest faucet to relieve pressure as the ice begins to thaw. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe. A hair dryer on a low, gentle setting, or simply raising the room's temperature, is much safer.
If you cannot locate the frozen section, or if water is already leaking, it is time to call a professional rather than attempt it yourself.
A Note on Vacant or Vacation Properties
Homes that sit empty during the coldest months, including seasonal cottages near Lake St. Clair, are at the highest risk since no one is there to notice a small leak or a dropping thermostat. Setting the heat no lower than 55 degrees, and having a neighbor check periodically, meaningfully reduces this risk.
