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Winter storms can hit hard and leave many without power or water. For those unable to heat their home, bursting pipes is a possible scenario. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water freezes. If the water in your pipes freezes, the pipe itself can get weaker and break or crack. When you turn on your hot water and the temperature in the pipe goes back up suddenly, that can cause the pipe to break. This is why plumbers suggest letting your faucets drip cold water during extreme cold, to keep the water from freezing.
If you notice a drop in water pressure or only a trickle of water comes out, and there's a chance your pipes are frozen, you want to get advice from a plumbing expert to thaw the pipes before the pipe bursts and the problem becomes worse. Family Handyman, a BBB Accredited Business, recommends steps like opening cabinet doors so warm air can reach the pipes under your sink. You can also heat the pipes in your basement or crawl spaces with a hair dryer. To prevent the situation from happening, consider insulating your crawl space or putting frost-proof faucets on your outdoor spigots.
If your pipes do burst, you'll need to contact a plumber near you to repair the break.
If your area experiences freezing temperatures and burst pipes, the Better Business Bureau is reminding homeowners to consider these tips when hiring a plumber:
- Consult your insurance company. You want to check your insurance policy to see what’s covered and make adjustments accordingly. Ask about your policy coverage for plumbing emergencies and specific filing requirements. Your insurance company may also have recommended contractors if something happens; be sure to check BBB.org to check their ratings and ensure those recommended plumbers are BBB Accredited.
- Choose trustworthy professionals. Check BBB business profiles for recommended professionals or start your search for a plumber at BBB.org. You can read reviews, see how the business responded to complaints, and also check for licensure.
- Get it in writing. Written contracts should include all pricing and the scope of work done during the project. You should also request written receipts for any payments made, especially once the job is completed and you have paid in full.
- Watch for scammers. Storm chasers are illegitimate contractors that travel to areas recently affected by severe weather and go door-to-door offering their services, then disappear after accepting your money. Avoid hiring anyone who uses high-pressure sales tactics, such as “today only” offers, or demands full payment upfront. Read BBB's tips on how to spot a scam.
- Know your rights. Check your local and state or province statutes regarding natural disaster assistance and temporary contractors. In some locations, it’s against the law for a contractor to offer to waive an insurance deductible or work the deductible amount into a bid.
For more information
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Learn how to weatherize your life for winter storms.