The chilling reality of a Michiana winter can bring more than just a beautiful blanket of snow—it brings the risk of burst pipes. A frozen pipe isn't just an inconvenience; it can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage and put a sudden stop to your home's routine. For over six decades, Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning has been the trusted neighbor in South Bend, helping families keep their homes safe and warm. We're here to share our expert advice to help you avoid this costly and messy winter emergency.

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Home

Taking action before the first deep freeze is the best defense against plumbing disaster. A small amount of preparation now can save you a significant headache and expense later.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Any water lines running through unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, attics, or garages are highly vulnerable. Use pipe sleeves, foam insulation, or even electrical heat tape on these segments. This simple layer of protection helps maintain a safe temperature and prevents the water inside from reaching its freezing point.

Seal Air Leaks

Cold air drafts are a major culprit in freezing pipes, especially where piping runs near foundation cracks or holes. Inspect your home for gaps and seal them with caulk or weather stripping. Pay close attention to areas where utility lines or dryer vents enter the home. Eliminating these direct cold air sources will significantly reduce the risk of freezing.

Disconnect Exterior Hoses

This is a step many homeowners overlook until it's too late. Before temperatures drop consistently below freezing, disconnect all garden hoses and drain them completely. If you have a separate shut-off valve for exterior faucets (called hose bibs), turn it off and open the outdoor faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out. This relieves pressure and ensures no water is trapped near the spigot where it can freeze and damage the pipe leading to it.

What to Do During a Cold Snap

When the weather forecast calls for sustained, deep freezes, there are a few simple, critical actions you can take to keep water moving and prevent pipe stagnation.

Keep Garage Doors Closed

If your water lines run through the garage or an adjacent wall, keeping the garage door closed—especially overnight—adds a layer of insulation and warmth that can be essential. Remember to also insulate any pipes visible in the garage space.

Let Faucets Drip

On the coldest nights, let both hot and cold water slowly drip from a faucet that is served by pipes running through an external wall. Moving water is much harder to freeze than still water. The slight, steady movement helps relieve pressure buildup in the line between the frozen blockage and the faucet, preventing a burst.

Open Cabinet Doors

For pipes located under kitchen or bathroom sinks, open the cabinet doors to allow warmer room air to circulate around them. This is particularly important for sinks on exterior walls where the pipes are closer to the cold exterior. Just be sure to remove any toxic cleaners or materials that might be within reach of children or pets.

When to Call a Professional

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Attempting to thaw a pipe improperly can cause it to burst. Use a hairdryer or a space heater pointed at the frozen area (never an open flame!), but know when to call for backup.

As your trusted neighbor, Great Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning offers reliable services from our factory-trained technicians. If you're facing a freeze-up or need help with a burst pipe emergency, don't hesitate to reach out for professional assistance at (574) 498-7556. We’ve been helping the Michiana area since 1957, and we are ready to bring our expertise to your home.