A Michigan cold snap can drop temperatures below zero for days. During those stretches, an unheated pipe in a Troy basement or crawl space can freeze and split. The worst part is that you often do not know until the thaw, when water pours out. This guide shows how to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if one bursts.
Key Takeaways
- ›Water expands as it freezes, and the pressure it builds is what bursts the pipe.
- ›Insulation, dripping faucets, and steady heat prevent most frozen-pipe damage.
- ›If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve first, then call for water damage cleanup.
Why Pipes Burst in a Michigan Winter
It is a common myth that ice splits the pipe by pushing outward. The real cause is pressure. As water freezes, it expands and traps liquid water between the ice and a closed faucet.
That trapped water has nowhere to go. Pressure builds until the pipe fails, often at a weak joint. Pipes in unheated Troy crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls are the most exposed.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Prevention is far cheaper than cleanup. A few steps before and during a cold snap protect your home.
Insulate the Vulnerable Pipes
Wrap exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and garages with foam insulation or heat tape. Michigan State University Extension recommends insulating pipes in these unheated spaces first. Pay special attention to pipes along exterior walls.
Let Faucets Drip in Deep Cold
A slow trickle keeps water moving, which resists freezing. Open both the hot and cold lines on faucets served by exposed pipes. This is cheap insurance during a hard Michigan freeze.
Keep the Heat Steady
Hold your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Do not set it below 55 degrees, even when you travel. A consistent temperature keeps interior pipes above freezing.
Seal Drafts and Open Cabinets
Cold air finds pipes through gaps around rim joists and vents. Seal those drafts with caulk or insulation. Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm room air reaches the plumbing.
Before You Leave Town in Winter
An empty house is where the worst freezes happen. If you travel during a Michigan winter, do not drop the heat below 55 degrees. Shut off the main water supply and drain the lines if you will be gone for a while. Ask a neighbor to check the house during any deep cold snap. A frozen pipe that bursts in an empty home can flood for days before anyone notices. That is the kind of loss Pristine Clean sees most after a hard freeze.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts
Even careful homes get caught in an extreme cold snap. Act fast to limit the damage.
If a Pipe Is Frozen but Not Burst
Keep the faucet open so melting water can escape. Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water. Never use an open flame, which is a fire risk.
If a Pipe Bursts
Shut off the main water valve immediately to stop the flood. The Red Cross advises keeping faucets open and calling for help. Then reach a water damage crew fast, because standing water feeds mold within a day or two.
A burst pipe can release many gallons before you notice. Move belongings out of the water and document the damage. Our guide on the first 24 hours after water damage walks through those first steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caught a Burst Pipe? Move Fast on the Water
A frozen pipe is a prevention problem, but a burst pipe is an emergency. Once the water is flowing, shutting off the main and drying the home quickly is what limits the damage. When a pipe bursts in your Troy home this winter, reach out to Pristine Clean. Our crew handles fast water extraction and full restoration before mold sets in.
