What Should You Do If Your Pipes Burst in Winter?

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A burst pipe is one of the most stressful plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face. And in winter, it happens fast.

The moment a pipe cracks or splits, water can flood walls, floors, cabinets, and crawl spaces in minutes. The good news is that a quick response can dramatically reduce damage.

If you are dealing with burst pipes in winter conditions, here is exactly what to do.

What Causes Burst Pipes in Winter?

Pipes usually burst because water inside them freezes and expands. That pressure builds until the pipe fails, often in:

Exterior walls
Crawl spaces
Attics
Garages
Under sinks near outside walls

Step 1: Shut Off Your Water Immediately

Your first priority is stopping the flow.

Locate your main shut-off valve
Turn it clockwise to stop the water supply
If you cannot find it, shut off water at the meter (if accessible)

Step 2: Turn Off Electricity If Water Is Near Outlets or Appliances

If water is leaking near:

Electrical panels
Wall outlets
Appliances plugged in

Do not step into standing water. Shut off power only if it is safe to do so.

Step 3: Drain Your Plumbing System

Once water is shut off:

Open faucets (hot and cold)
Flush toilets
Drain remaining water from lines

This helps reduce pressure and prevents additional leaks from spreading.

Step 4: Contain and Remove Water Quickly

Even clean water can cause damage and mold if it sits.

Do what you can right away:

Use towels and buckets
Use a wet/dry vacuum if safe
Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from wet areas

Step 5: Call a Licensed Plumber (Do Not Wait)

A burst pipe is not something you want to patch with temporary solutions. A plumber can:

Locate the break
Repair or replace the damaged section
Pressure test the system
Confirm there are no secondary cracks

For homeowners across Yolo County, YOLO Plumbing can respond quickly and repair burst lines before the damage spreads further.

Step 6: Document the Damage (If You Need Insurance)

If water caused damage, take:

Photos and videos
Notes on when you discovered the leak
A record of what you shut off and when

This can help with homeowner’s insurance claims.

How to Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes (If You Catch It Early)

If pipes are frozen but not yet burst, you may be able to thaw them safely.

Safe thawing methods include:

Hair dryer
Heating pad
Space heater (used carefully and monitored)

Never use:

Open flames
Torches
Charcoal heaters indoors

Winter Burst Pipe Prevention Tips That Actually Work

Prevention is cheaper than emergency repairs.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Use foam insulation sleeves on pipes in:

Garages
Attics
Crawl spaces

Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

A small drip can keep water moving enough to reduce freeze risk.

Keep Cabinet Doors Open

Open cabinets under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Outdoor spigots and hose bibs are common freeze points.

When Burst Pipes Mean You May Need Repiping

If your home has repeated winter pipe issues, the real problem may be:

Old piping materials
Poor insulation layout
Pipes installed in vulnerable locations

A plumber can help determine if a repair is enough or if repiping is the safer long-term solution.