Frozen pipes are one of winter’s most damaging and expensive emergencies. When temperatures fall and water freezes inside plumbing lines, the expansion can cause pipes to split—sending gallons of water into walls, ceilings, and floors the moment they thaw. This guide explains what causes frozen pipes, what homeowners should do, and how Fortivo Property Services can support prevention, emergency response, and full restoration.
Why Do Pipes Freeze in the First Place, and Where Are the Highest-Risk Areas?
Pipes freeze when temperatures around them drop below 32°F. As water solidifies, it expands and places tremendous pressure on the pipe walls. Even new or well-maintained pipes can burst.
Why this happens:
- Poor insulation allows cold air to reach plumbing lines.
- Wind chill and drafts accelerate freezing in unprotected areas.
- Homes left unoccupied or under-heated increase freeze risk.
- Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas on exterior walls lose heat quickly.
Highest-risk locations in the home:
- Attics and crawl spaces
- Garages or unheated additions
- Pipes inside exterior-facing walls
- Unfinished basements
- Vacant or seasonal homes
How Fortivo Property Services can help:
- Inspect vulnerable areas before winter.
- Identify insulation gaps and cold spots with thermal imaging.
- Provide winter-prep recommendations tailored to your home.
What Risks Do Frozen Pipes Create for Your Home and Family?
A frozen pipe becomes dangerous the moment it begins to thaw. Pressure buildup leads to breaks that can release hundreds of gallons of water.
Major risks include:
- Water damage to drywall, flooring, insulation, and ceilings
- Mold growth starting within 24–48 hours
- Electrical hazards when water reaches outlets or wiring
- Structural weakening from long-term moisture saturation
Why quick action matters:
- Water spreads rapidly through hidden cavities.
- Delayed dry-out increases rebuild costs.
- Moisture-driven mold can impact air quality.
How Fortivo can help:
- Provide emergency water extraction and mitigation.
- Prevent mold with fast, professional structural drying.
- Restore affected rooms to pre-loss condition.
Why Is It Critical to Address Pipe Freezing Quickly for Safety Reasons?
Frozen pipes threaten more than property—they create immediate safety concerns inside the home.
Safety hazards include:
- Slip-and-fall hazards from uncontrolled water flow
- Electrical shock risks when water meets outlets or breakers
- Mold growth causing respiratory irritation
- Damage to boiler or heating systems if supply lines freeze
How Fortivo can help keep your home safe:
- Assess electrical and structural risks after a break.
- Set up containment and safe drying zones.
- Provide guidance for safe re-entry into affected rooms.
🔧 What Should Homeowners Do to Prevent Frozen Pipes Before Winter?
Preventive measures greatly reduce the likelihood of frozen or burst pipes.
- Insulate vulnerable pipes:
- Use foam sleeves or pipe wrap.
- Apply UL-rated heat tape where needed.
- Focus on exterior-wall and unheated-area plumbing.
- Improve warm airflow:
- Open cabinet doors under sinks.
- Keep interior doors open to maintain consistent heat.
- Maintain proper indoor temperatures:
- Never set your thermostat below 55°F.
- Keep heat steady even when away from home.
- Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold:
- A trickle prevents pressure buildup.
- Especially important for older homes or known cold zones.
- Seal drafts and air leaks:
- Use caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping.
- Seal gaps around plumbing penetrations and vents.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses:
- Shut off and winterize exterior spigots.
- Prevent ice from backing into the interior line.
How Fortivo can help with prevention:
- Perform winter-readiness inspections.
- Identify freeze-prone plumbing runs.
- Provide recommendations for insulation, sealing, and pipe protection.
What Should Homeowners Do If a Pipe Bursts?
A burst pipe is a water emergency—responding quickly limits damage.
Step-by-step actions:
- Shut off your main water valve immediately.
- Turn off electricity in affected areas if water is present.
- Call Fortivo Property Services for emergency mitigation.
- Document all damage with photos and videos for insurance.
- Begin drying with fans and dehumidifiers.
- Remove soaked materials such as drywall and insulation.
How Fortivo Property Services responds:
- Arrives 24/7 for extraction and stabilization.
- Uses moisture meters to locate hidden water.
- Removes damaged materials and begins structural drying.
- Treats affected areas for mold prevention.
- Coordinates repair and rebuild after mitigation.
What Can Homeowners Do to Stay Ahead of Winter Pipe Damage?
Preparation and awareness are your best defense.
Homeowner checklist:
- Insulate pipes before the first freeze.
- Seal cold drafts around the home.
- Maintain steady heating during cold spells.
- Install water leak detection sensors.
- Know the location of your main shutoff valve.
How Fortivo provides ongoing protection:
- Seasonal inspections tailored to your property.
- Emergency water and mold mitigation.
- Full-service restoration and reconstruction.
- White-glove customer care through every step of recovery.
Fortivo Property Services is your trusted partner for winter pipe protection and emergency response. Whether you want prevention guidance or need help after a burst pipe, our team is ready to safeguard your home and restore peace of mind all winter long.
How Fortivo supports you:
- Provide preventive seasonal inspections.
- Respond 24/7 to water, fire, mold, or structural emergencies.
- Manage restoration from initial mitigation through full rebuild.
- Deliver white-glove service that keeps your operations running and your occupants safe.
Fortivo Property Services stands ready to partner with property managers throughout the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re preventing issues—or responding to an unexpected emergency—we’re here to protect your building, your occupants, and your business continuity.
Fortivo Is Here to Help Restore and Protect Your Home
Fall should be a season of comfort—not catastrophe. By taking preventive steps and staying aware of fire risks, you can enjoy the season safely. If fire or smoke damage does occur, Fortivo Property Services is ready to respond with expert restoration solutions to protect your home and peace of mind.
About the Author
Jason Gates, Co-Founder and CEO of Fortivo Property Services, brings more than 17 years of leadership, construction, and property restoration expertise to the work he does every day. Raised in a family of builders and craftsmen, Jason combines hands-on industry knowledge with high-level program management experience from overseeing large, complex national operations. His guidance is grounded in real-world field experience, risk-management strategy, and a commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality restoration solutions for commercial and residential clients.
