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A frozen downspout pipe outside of a Michigan home during winter. Learn how to prevent frozen pipes and protect your home!

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During Michigan’s Winter

Winter is beautiful, no doubt—freshly fallen snow, holiday lights twinkling, cozy nights by the fire. But for your home’s plumbing, winter is less picturesque. Frozen pipes are one of the most common (and frustrating) winter plumbing problems, and if not addressed, they can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare. 

A burst pipe caused by freezing can lead to expensive repairs and water damage. But don’t worry—there are ways to stop frozen pipes in their tracks.

The experts at Rooter MD are here to uncover how to prevent frozen pipes, explain what causes frozen pipes, and offer actionable tips and tricks to keep your plumbing safe this winter. We’ll even throw in some advice on what to do if the worst happens and you need emergency pipe repair near you.

What Causes Frozen Pipes?

Pipes freeze when the temperature around them drops below 32°F, and the water inside them turns to ice. This often happens to pipes located in unheated or poorly insulated areas like basements, crawlspaces, garages, or along exterior walls. Frozen water expands, creating pressure that can crack or burst your pipes.

Common culprits include:

  • Lack of insulation: Pipes in unheated areas are exposed to the cold.
  • Sudden temperature drops: A rapid freeze can catch homeowners off guard.
  • Poor airflow: Cold drafts can seep in and freeze vulnerable pipes.

Now that you know why pipes freeze, let’s move on to how you can prevent this icy headache.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Winter

1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

One of the easiest ways to protect your pipes is to insulate them. Wrap exposed pipes in foam pipe insulation, which is affordable and available at most hardware stores. For extra protection, consider adding heat tape or heating cables to pipes in especially cold areas.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget the small stuff—your outdoor spigots and garden hoses are just as vulnerable. Disconnect hoses and use an insulated cover for outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.

2. Seal Drafty Areas

Drafts are a frozen pipe’s best friend. Check for gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation that could allow cold air to sneak in. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these areas and keep the chill out.

Pro Tip: A customer once called us because their kitchen pipes froze every year, no matter what they tried. Turns out, the cold air was creeping in through a tiny crack in their siding right behind the sink. A little weatherproofing solved the problem for good.

3. Keep the Heat On

If you’re leaving home for an extended period this winter, don’t turn off your heat entirely. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F to keep the interior of your home warm enough to prevent freezing pipes.

Pro Tip: Open cabinet doors under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

4. Let Faucets Drip

This is a classic tip because it works. Letting a faucet drip—especially one connected to an exposed pipe—can prevent freezing by relieving pressure in the pipe. Moving water is less likely to freeze than stagnant water, so even a small drip can make a big difference.

How Do I Know If My Pipes Are Frozen?

Sometimes, you don’t realize you have a problem until you turn on a faucet and… nothing. If you suspect your pipes might be frozen, here are some signs to watch for:

  • No water flow: A frozen pipe will block water from coming through.
  • Frost on the pipe: Visible frost is a clear indicator.
  • Unusual smells: If a pipe is partially frozen, water and waste may not drain properly, causing odors to back up.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act fast to avoid a burst pipe. Call Rooter MD immediately at (947) 207-3590.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

So, why are your pipes frozen? Maybe you missed insulating one or the temperature dropped faster than expected. Either way here’s how to handle frozen pipes:

  1. Turn off the water supply: This helps prevent damage in case the pipe bursts.
  2. Locate the frozen pipe: Check areas where pipes are most exposed, like basements or exterior walls.
  3. Warm the pipe slowly: Use a hairdryer, space heater, or warm towels to thaw the pipe gradually. Never use an open flame like a blowtorch—it’s dangerous and can damage the pipe.
  4. Check for leaks: Once the pipe is thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for any cracks or leaks.

If the pipe is damaged or you’re unable to thaw it, call a professional plumber immediately—Rooter MD will be there to help.

FAQs About Frozen Pipes

1. What’s the difference between frozen pipes and burst pipes?

A frozen pipe occurs when water inside freezes and blocks flow, while a burst pipe happens when the freezing causes the pipe to crack or split. Acting quickly when you notice frozen pipes can help prevent them from bursting.

2. Can I prevent frozen pipes with just a space heater?

Space heaters can help in small areas like under-sink cabinets or garages, but they’re not a long-term solution. Combine them with proper insulation for lasting protection.

3. Do all pipes freeze in cold weather?

Not all pipes are equally at risk. Pipes located in unheated areas or along exterior walls are most vulnerable. Proper insulation and heating can prevent freezing.

Call Rooter MD for Emergency Pipe Repair Near You

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a pipe freezes or bursts. When that happens, Rooter MD is here to help. We specialize in emergency pipe repair and can quickly diagnose and fix the issue before it causes major damage. If you suspect your pipes are frozen, don’t wait—contact us today!


Winterize Your Plumbing with Rooter MD in Livonia, MI

Frozen pipes don’t have to be part of your winter story. By following these tips on how to prevent frozen pipes, you can keep your plumbing safe and sound all season long. For extra peace of mind, schedule a winter plumbing inspection with Rooter MD. We’ll help you identify vulnerable areas and prepare your home for the cold.

Ready to take action? Contact us today for professional plumbing services in Metro Detroit, and let’s keep your pipes flowing smoothly all winter!

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