Avoid Frozen Pipes With These Tips!
Happy New Year, Southeast Michigan! You know, January is a weird month. Everyone’s cold. Everyone’s wallet feels too light. And everyone is suddenly shocked—shocked!—to remember that post-holiday life requires showing up to work five days a week again. FIVE. While we all muddle our way through Michigan’s iciest stretch, one winter headache tends to rise above the rest: frozen pipes. They’re the kind of problem that goes from “Huh, that’s odd” to “Why is there a waterfall in my kitchen?” in the blink of an eye.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned after decades of helping homeowners with plumbing repair in Commerce, MI, it’s that frozen pipes don’t care what kind of mood you’ve been in. They show up early, they show up late and they always show up at the most inconvenient times. Luckily, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your home and your sanity intact. Here’s how to stay ahead of the freeze as winter settles in for the long haul.
Why Pipes Freeze in the First Place
Even though we’re still in the early part of winter, Southeast Michigan’s brutal temps have already dipped into the “Are you kidding me?” range a few times. When the temperature drops sharply, the water inside your pipes begins to thicken and slow. As it gets closer to freezing, pressure builds. And when that pressure has nowhere to go? That’s when pipes crack or burst. It’s not an earth-shattering science lesson, but it’s one worth remembering: Frozen water expands. Sadly, your pipes do not.
How to Keep Pipes From Freezing
Picture this: You wake up dreaming of a steamy, soul-restoring shower, only to turn the handle and get … a sad little trickle. Not exactly the warm welcome anyone hopes for on a single-digit morning. To avoid this “fine how-do-you-do,” keep these winter-smart habits in rotation:
- Let ’Er Drip. Leave one faucet slightly dribbling, preferably the one farthest away from your home’s main water valve. Even a small, steady flow keeps water moving enough to prevent freezing.
- Wrap It Up. Insulate your pipes with heat tape or pipe sleeves. In a pinch, towels work—but results vary depending on just how frigid the day decides to be. While you’re at it, double-check that insulation in crawl spaces and attics is up to the challenge.
- Don’t Get Hosed. Disconnect, turn off and drain outdoor hoses. Ideally this happens in the fall, but if winter snuck up on you (as it does for all of us), take care of it before the deep freeze hits.
- Open Up. If you have kitchen or bathroom sink cabinets that house plumbing lines, leave the doors open to let warm indoor air circulate around those vulnerable pipes.
- The Heat (Should Be) On. We fully support keeping utility bills manageable, but winter is not the time to be a hero and see how low you can set the thermostat. Keep your heat at 55° or higher. During extended cold snaps, avoid big day-to-night temperature swings.
More Prevention Tips to Go the Extra Mile
If you want to give your home even better odds of staying leak-free this winter, here are a few more smart moves:
- Prepare for the Draft. No, not THAT draft (#Lions). Cold air sneaking in around windows, doors or foundation gaps can chill nearby pipes. Simple weatherstripping or caulking can make a big difference.
- Know Your At-Risk Zones. Pipes running along exterior walls, in garages, under sinks or in unheated additions are usually the first to freeze. Prioritize them for insulation or monitoring.
- Shut Off What You Don’t Need. If part of your home is unoccupied for the season—a guest room over the garage, for example—consider shutting off the water supply to that area.
- Under Pressure? A sudden drop in water pressure can be an early sign that part of your plumbing system is already freezing. Catching this before the pipe cracks saves you a world of trouble.
How to Tell If a Pipe Is Starting to Freeze
Sometimes pipes give you a warning—subtle, but there if you know what to look for. Pay attention to:
- Slow or uneven water flow
- Unusual noises, like tapping or whistling
- Frost forming on exposed pipes
- Strange odors, especially from drains (a sign ice is blocking the vent or trap)
- Unexpected cold spots on walls or floors
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Early intervention can stop a frozen pipe from turning into a burst pipe.
Even with your best efforts, frozen pipes sometimes win the battle. Should the unimaginable happen, it’s important to:
- Turn Off the Main Water Valve. Know where it is before temperatures take a nosedive. When water is pouring into your house, it’s not the time to go on a scavenger hunt.
- Open All Faucets. Relieve pressure in the system to prevent additional pipes from bursting.
- Start Removing Water ASAP. Mop, towel, shop-vac—whatever gets standing water out quickly. Severe cases may require a water-remediation team.
- Contact a Local Pro (Matheson Is Always Here for You!). We’ll assess the situation, stop the damage from spreading and make the necessary repairs.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider. They’ll advise you on next steps and documentation.
Here for You When Winter Turns Bitter
Michigan winters are long, cold and unpredictable, but frozen pipes don’t have to be part of the story. If you need help thawing a stubborn line, repairing winter damage or checking whether something’s amiss with your heating system, Matheson is here all season long. Whether you’re dealing with frozen pipes or think your system is working harder than it should, we can help with everything from plumbing repair to furnace repair—because your comfort matters every day of the year.
To schedule your next appointment, please feel free to use our convenient scheduling tool or call us at 248.971.2994.