Why Homeowners Need to Worry About Frozen Pipes in Winter

Rob Byrne
13 minutes ago
3 min read

By Higher Elevation Home Inspections LLC

When winter temperatures drop, most homeowners think about heating bills, snow removal, and icy walkways. But one of the most expensive and damaging cold-weather risks is often hidden behind walls and under floors: frozen pipes.

Every winter, frozen plumbing lines cause thousands of dollars in property damage — and many of these situations are preventable. Understanding why pipes freeze, what damage they can cause, and how to protect your home can save you from major repairs and insurance headaches.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Risk

Water expands when it freezes. When temperatures drop low enough, water inside your plumbing lines can turn to ice and expand with tremendous force. This pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst — even if they are metal or heavy plastic.

The real damage often occurs after the ice thaws. Once water flow returns, it can pour out through splits in the pipe and soak walls, ceilings, insulation, and flooring before anyone notices.

Common results include:

Interior flooding
Mold growth
Structural damage
Damaged insulation and drywall
Electrical hazards
Costly emergency plumbing repairs

A single burst pipe can easily result in thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Pipes Most Likely to Freeze

Not all plumbing lines are equally at risk. The most vulnerable pipes are those located in:

Unheated basements
Crawl spaces
Attics
Exterior walls
Garages
Areas near foundation walls
Cabinets under sinks on outside walls
Vacation or seasonal homes left unheated

Homes at higher elevations or exposed to wind tend to freeze faster because wind chill accelerates heat loss from the structure.

Warning Signs a Pipe May Be Frozen

Homeowners should watch for early warning signs before a pipe bursts:

Little or no water coming from a faucet
Frost visible on exposed pipes
Strange odors coming from drains (caused by blocked flow)
Unusual sounds in plumbing lines
Cold wall sections where pipes run

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, it’s important to act quickly before pressure builds.

How Homeowners Can Prevent Frozen Pipes

Prevention is far less expensive than repair. Simple steps can significantly reduce risk:

Keep the Heat On

Maintain indoor temperatures at 55°F or higher, even when away.

Open Cabinet Doors

Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks — especially along exterior walls.

Let Faucets Drip

A small steady drip keeps water moving and reduces freezing risk during extreme cold.

Seal Drafts

Seal gaps around:

Pipe penetrations
Basement windows
Foundation cracks
Utility entry points

Insulate Pipes

Exposed plumbing lines in cold areas should be wrapped with pipe insulation or heat tape where appropriate.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs and irrigation lines before freezing weather.

Vacation Homes & Empty Properties Are at Higher Risk

Homes that sit vacant are especially vulnerable because no one is there to notice early warning signs. If a property will be empty:

Keep heat running
Shut off the main water supply if possible
Drain plumbing systems if the home will be unheated
Consider remote temperature monitoring

Why a Professional Inspection Matters

A professional home inspection can identify:

Exposed or poorly insulated pipes
Draft pathways
Vulnerable plumbing layouts
Crawl space and attic risks
Freeze-prone construction details

Catching these issues early allows homeowners to correct them before winter damage occurs.

Final Thoughts

Frozen pipes are not just an inconvenience — they are one of the most common and costly winter home failures. A little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your property, your budget, and your peace of mind.

If you want to better understand your home’s cold-weather risks, Higher Elevation Home Inspections LLC can help identify vulnerable areas and recommend practical solutions before winter problems start