Never Let Your Pipes Freeze Again
Five proven strategies for Pennsylvania homeowners to protect their plumbing through the coldest months.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious NEPA Problem
Northeast Pennsylvania winters regularly produce multi-day stretches below 10°F — cold enough to freeze unprotected pipes within hours. When water freezes in a pipe, it expands. That expansion creates pressure that can burst copper, PVC, and even iron pipes. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water before you realize what's happened.
The average burst pipe repair in Pennsylvania ranges from $1,000 to $5,000+ for plumbing alone. Add drywall, flooring, and mold remediation and you're looking at a much larger figure. Prevention costs almost nothing. Here are five steps that work.
5 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Keep the Thermostat at 55°F Minimum — Even When Away
The most common mistake Pennsylvania homeowners make is turning the heat down too low when traveling or trying to save on utility bills. Pipes typically freeze when temperatures drop below 20°F outside and interior temperatures fall below 55°F. Set your thermostat to a minimum of 55°F — never lower — regardless of whether you're home. The cost of a few extra degrees of heat is negligible compared to burst pipe repairs.
Insulate Exposed Pipes in Unheated Spaces
Pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls are most vulnerable to freezing. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and available at any hardware store. For severe cold snaps, add thermostatically controlled heat tape to particularly exposed runs. Insulating your crawl space vents in winter also helps significantly.
Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
When temperatures are forecast to drop below 10°F, let your most vulnerable faucets drip slightly — especially those on exterior walls. Moving water requires much lower temperatures to freeze than still water. This simple step costs pennies in water usage and can prevent thousands in damage.
Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
Every Pennsylvania homeowner should know exactly where their main water shutoff valve is located — and confirm it works before winter. When a pipe bursts, minutes matter. Shutting off water immediately limits damage dramatically. The shutoff is typically near the water meter, in the basement, or in a utility room. Locate it now, not during the emergency.
Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks on Exterior Walls
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets against exterior walls trap cold air away from your home's interior heat. On nights when temperatures will drop significantly, open those cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes inside. This is especially effective in older NEPA homes with exterior plumbing walls.
What to Do If Your Pipes Are Already Frozen
1. Turn off the main water supply immediately to prevent flooding when the pipe thaws.
2. Apply gentle heat to the frozen section using a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels — never open flame.
3. Start from the faucet end and work backward toward the frozen section.
4. Keep the faucet open so steam and water can escape as the pipe thaws.
5. If you cannot locate the frozen section or suspect a burst, call a licensed Pennsylvania plumber immediately.
Signs Your Pipes May Be Starting to Freeze
- Faucets producing little to no water pressure
- Visible frost or condensation on exposed pipes
- Unusual odors from faucets (frozen drain pipes)
- Banging or cracking sounds from walls or pipes
- No water at all from a specific fixture
Dealing with an Older Home? The Challenges Are Greater.
Many Northeast Pennsylvania homes were built in the early-to-mid 1900s with plumbing configurations that weren't designed with modern insulation standards in mind. Pipes routed through exterior walls, uninsulated crawl spaces, and older plumbing materials are inherently more freeze-prone.
If your home has chronic freeze problems despite your best efforts, it may be a sign of a larger insulation or plumbing configuration issue that requires a professional evaluation.
Dealing With Freeze or Water Damage?
If your Pennsylvania home has suffered freeze or water damage and you're considering your options, House Buying Solutions buys homes as-is — no repairs required. Get a fair cash offer on your timeline.