Why pipes split here
A pipe does not burst when water freezes. It bursts when ice blocks the line and pressure builds between the ice and a closed faucet. The split can be upstream from the ice, so a pipe may look fine until the thaw.
Attic lines, pipes in exterior walls and lines in vented crawl spaces fail first. Empty houses fail worst, because nobody is there to notice water running.
After the repair
- Dry the structure before the walls are closed
- Ask for moisture readings in writing
- Check the attic and crawl space after the thaw
- Keep photos and logs for your claim
Services that match this
- Frozen & Burst Pipe CleanupA freeze splits supply lines in attics, walls and crawl spaces, and water keeps running after the thaw. We extract, open and dry the structure.
- Attic Pipe Burst Multi-Floor Dry-OutA pipe that bursts in the attic sends water through insulation, ceilings and walls into every floor beneath. We trace it and dry each level.
- Vacant Property Freeze Damage RestorationEmpty houses, rentals between tenants and holiday homes can run a split line for days. We extract, open walls and dry the soaked structure.
See typical ranges for every service on the pricing page.
Questions about this tool
Should I turn the heat up fast after a freeze?
Raise it gradually. A rapid thaw can stress lines that are already cracked.
Does dripping a faucet really help?
It helps keep water moving in an exterior wall line. It is not a guarantee.
How cold is cold enough to split a pipe?
Unprotected pipes can freeze when temperatures sit around 20 degrees or lower for several hours.
Who do I call first?
Shut the water off, then call a plumber and a drying crew together. The plumber fixes the pipe and the crew dries the structure.
Read next Winter Freezes, Burst Pipes and Empty Houses in Gwinnett.