Prevent Burst Pipes This Winter: What Dayton Homeowners Need to Know

swiftycleaningco
Dec 7
6 min read

As winter sets in across Dayton and the surrounding areas, one of the most common and costly risks homeowners face is frozen pipes. When temperatures plummet, your pipes can freeze and burst, sending gallons of water into your home in mere seconds. This kind of damage not only results in costly repairs but can also lead to significant disruptions in your daily life. With the right preparation, however, you can protect your home from the havoc that frozen pipes cause. At Swifty Cleaning, we’ve seen the devastating impact that winter flooding can have. The good news is, most of it is preventable.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the reasons why pipes burst in cold weather, offer helpful tips to prevent frozen pipes, and explain what to do if a flood occurs. Plus, we’ll share why professional water extraction services are so critical in the aftermath of a burst pipe.

Why Pipes Burst in Cold Weather

Frozen pipes are a major concern for homeowners when winter hits. But why do pipes burst when the temperature drops? The main culprit is the expansion of water as it freezes. As water freezes, it expands, creating pressure inside the pipe. Once that pressure becomes too great, the pipe can rupture. This happens most frequently in areas where pipes are exposed to cold temperatures or lack adequate insulation. The following areas in and around your home are especially susceptible:

Garages: Garages are often unheated and have little to no insulation, making them an ideal spot for pipes to freeze.
Basements and Crawl Spaces: These areas can get very cold in winter, especially if they’re not insulated or properly heated.
Under Sinks: Pipes under sinks, particularly those on exterior walls, are vulnerable to freezing. These areas may not receive much heat, even when the rest of the house is warm.
Exterior Walls: Pipes in exterior walls are also at high risk due to the cold air outside. Even if you have insulation in these walls, it may not be enough to protect the pipes in extreme cold.

When a pipe bursts due to freezing, the damage can be extensive. Water can seep into walls, floors, and ceilings, causing structural damage and the potential for mold growth. This is why preventing frozen pipes in the first place is key to avoiding costly repairs and restoration efforts.

Tips to Prevent Frozen or Burst Pipes

While freezing temperatures can’t always be avoided, there are proactive steps you can take to keep your pipes safe from the cold. By preparing your home in advance, you can prevent the nightmare of burst pipes this winter. Here are some valuable tips:

1. Keep a Steady Drip Running

Water that is constantly moving is harder to freeze than water sitting still. If the temperatures are expected to drop drastically, consider leaving a steady drip running from faucets, especially those connected to pipes in cold areas such as garages, basements, or exterior walls. Even a small drip can help keep water moving and reduce the chance of freezing.

2. Insulate Exposed Pipes

One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them. Foam insulation or heat tape is particularly useful for pipes located in unheated areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces. If you have pipes running along exterior walls or in unheated rooms, wrapping them in insulation will keep the cold at bay.

3. Open Cabinets Under Sinks

During the winter, especially at night when the temperature drops, open the cabinet doors under sinks, particularly those located on exterior walls. This allows warm air from the rest of your home to circulate around the pipes and prevent them from freezing. If you have kitchen or bathroom sinks located on outside walls, this step is essential.

4. Maintain a Home Temperature Above 55 Degrees

Even when you’re not home, it’s crucial to keep your home above 55 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid frozen pipes. If you’re planning to leave for an extended period, ensure that your heating system is still running and that there is enough heat to keep the home warm. Unheated homes freeze quickly, and a sudden cold snap could result in significant pipe damage.

5. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Before the first freeze of the season, disconnect all outdoor hoses. Leftover water in the hoses can freeze and cause damage to the indoor plumbing. When hoses are connected to the faucet, any water trapped inside can freeze, expand, and crack the pipe, leading to a burst. Always drain and store your hoses in a dry place for the winter.

6. Seal Drafts and Gaps

Cold air sneaks through gaps in windows, doors, and the foundation of your home. These drafts can freeze pipes from the outside in, especially when they are located in exterior walls or uninsulated areas. Seal any visible gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets to prevent cold air from entering your home. You can use weatherstripping or foam sealant for easy and effective insulation.

7. Know Where Your Main Shutoff Valve Is

In the event of a burst pipe, it’s crucial to know where your home’s main water shutoff valve is located. If a pipe bursts, immediately turning off the water supply can help prevent a flood from escalating. If you’re unsure where the shutoff valve is, locate it before an emergency happens and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is too.

What to Do If a Flood Happens: Time Is Critical

Even with all of these precautions in place, frozen pipes can still occur. In the unfortunate event that a pipe bursts, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent further damage. Time is of the essence when water starts flooding your home. Here’s what to expect and why time matters:

Within 1 to 2 hours: Water begins soaking deep into carpet, padding, and drywall. This is when you start to notice the flooding, but it’s not too late to minimize the damage.
Within 6 to 12 hours: The risk of bacteria, mold, and foul odors begins to increase. Water that has soaked into your floors, walls, or ceilings can quickly become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
Within 24 to 48 hours: Mold and mildew growth starts. At this point, the damage becomes far more extensive, and mold may begin to form in hidden areas like under floors or inside walls.
After 48 hours: The damage continues to worsen. By this point, structural damage can occur, and restoration becomes much more costly and time-consuming.

This is why water extraction services must be called immediately after a flood. The longer the water sits, the worse the damage becomes.

Why Professional Water Extraction Matters

Water damage can spread quickly, often reaching places you can't easily see, such as under floors, behind walls, or in ceilings. While homeowners may be able to handle small amounts of water with a mop or a shop vac, professional equipment is needed to effectively remove large volumes of water and prevent long-term damage.

At Swifty Cleaning, we use high-powered water extraction equipment that can remove water quickly and thoroughly. Our water extraction process includes:

High-powered water removal to extract large amounts of water quickly.
Deep drying of floors, walls, and other surfaces to prevent mold growth.
Moisture detection to locate hidden pockets of water that could lead to further damage.
Sanitizing to prevent harmful bacteria or pathogens from growing in standing water.
Odor control to eliminate any musty smells that often accompany water damage.
Mold and mildew prevention through our careful cleaning and drying process.

We serve Dayton and the surrounding areas, including the cities of Kettering, Centerville, Miamisburg, and more, providing fast and professional water extraction services whenever a flood happens. Our team is ready to respond quickly to minimize damage and get your home back to normal.

Save This Blog or Share It With a Friend

Winter weather is unpredictable, and emergency situations like frozen pipes can happen without warning. By preparing your home and knowing what to do if disaster strikes, you can save yourself from thousands of dollars in water damage repairs. Share this blog with your friends or family to help them avoid the headache of burst pipes and flooded homes.

And if a flood does happen, don’t hesitate to call Swifty Cleaning for expert water extraction services. We’re here to help you restore your home and prevent further damage.

Location Optimization for Dayton Homeowners

If you live in Dayton, Ohio, or the surrounding areas, take the time now to prepare your home for the winter months. Swifty Cleaning offers fast, reliable water extraction services for homes in Dayton, Kettering, Centerville, and surrounding areas. Call us today to ensure that your home stays protected from the cold and flooding.

Contact Us Today for prompt, professional help when you need it most!