5 Common Causes of Burst Pipes in Winter (And How to Prevent Them)
Winter in Salem, Virginia, can bring unpredictable temperature drops. When the thermostat dips below freezing, homeowners across Southwest Virginia face a common and costly threat: burst pipes. With over 25 years of experience serving the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas, Layman's Contracting has seen firsthand the damage a frozen pipe can cause.
Why Do Pipes Burst?
It's simple physics: when water freezes, it expands. This expansion creates immense pressure inside your plumbing system. Whether your pipes are made of copper, PVC, or PEX, this pressure can cause them to rupture. When the ice thaws, the water flows freely through the break, leading to catastrophic flooding.
1. Uninsulated Pipes in Vulnerable Areas
Pipes located in unheated areas of your Salem home—such as crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls—are at the highest risk. Many older homes in our area lack the necessary insulation to protect these pipes during a severe cold snap.
How to Prevent It: Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape. Ensure your crawl space and attic are properly insulated to retain heat.
2. Leaving Garden Hoses Connected
One of the most frequent mistakes we see is homeowners leaving their garden hoses attached to outdoor spigots (hose bibs) during winter. Water trapped in the hose can freeze and back up into the pipe inside your home, causing it to burst just inside the wall.
How to Prevent It: Disconnect, drain, and store all garden hoses before the first freeze. Install frost-free hose bibs or use insulated faucet covers.
3. Dropping the Thermostat Too Low
To save on heating bills, you might be tempted to lower the thermostat significantly when leaving town or going to sleep. However, if the temperature drops too low, the heat in your home may not be enough to keep the pipes inside the walls warm.
How to Prevent It: Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C), even when you are away. Consistent warmth is cheaper than repairing water damage.
4. Closed Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
Plumbing located on exterior walls, such as under kitchen or bathroom sinks, can easily freeze if warm air from the room is blocked by closed cabinet doors.
How to Prevent It: During extremely cold nights, leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
5. Cracks and Wear in Aging Plumbing
Older pipes that are already weakened by corrosion or minor cracks are much more susceptible to bursting under the pressure of expanding ice. The sudden stress of freezing water is often the final straw for aging plumbing systems.
How to Prevent It: Have a licensed professional inspect your plumbing system. Layman's Contracting offers comprehensive evaluations to identify and replace weak pipes before winter hits.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts in Salem, VA
If you experience a burst pipe, time is of the essence:
- Shut Off the Water: Locate your main water shut-off valve immediately and turn it off to stop the flooding.
- Turn Off Electricity: If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power at the breaker box.
- Call a 24/7 Emergency Plumber: Contact Layman's Contracting right away. Our team is available around the clock to mitigate the damage and repair the pipe.
About the Author: Layman's Contracting is a family-owned and operated business serving Salem, Wirtz, Roanoke, and surrounding areas since 1995. Our licensed and insured technicians provide expert emergency plumbing, welding, and gas line repairs.