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Why Do Frozen Pipes Always Burst?
Why Do Frozen Pipes Always Burst?
4.8 RATING

Why Do Frozen Pipes Always Burst?

Bursting water pipes are a major concern in many homes during the winter. Poorly insulated pipes in unheated spaces of a house are more prone…

August 08, 2026
Why Do Frozen Pipes Always Burst?

Bursting water pipes are a major conce in many homes during the winter. Poorly insulated pipes in unheated spaces of a house are more prone to freezing and bursting. But why do frozen pipes burst?

Do Frozen Pipes Always Burst?

Although it’s common for frozen pipes to burst due to the buildup of pressure inside the pipes, not all frozen pipes burst. However, when pipes freeze, the risk of them bursting increases considerably. The good news is that there are preventive measures you can take to prevent frozen pipes.

How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

  • Insulate pipes in unheated interior spaces, such as the basement, garage, attic, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. This is an inexpensive and energy-efficient way to protect your pipes.
  • Set the thermostat in your house above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep your pipes warmer, making them less likely to freeze.
  • Keep the garage door closed to prevent freezing air from getting into your garage. Leaving your garage door closed leaves any plumbing pipes running through your garage vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
  • Spend some time checking around door frames and windows and seal any cracks and openings that can let cold air through.
  • If there are water supply pipes running through bathroom and kitchen cabinets, ensure you keep them open to keep heated air circulating beneath the cabinets and warm up your pipes.
  • Leave the faucets served by exposed pipes dripping for a while. The constant flow of water prevents the pipes from freezing.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

As temperatures drop, the water inside the pipes begins to freeze. When water freezes, it expands, which causes an increase in pressure inside the pipe. The water can increase in volume by about 9% or more, thereby causing the water pipe to break. Thawing the ice raises the pressure even further, which is why you should seek the help of an experienced plumber.

You should take quick action and call a nearby plumber when your pipes freeze, otherwise, you’ll deal with expensive water damage when the pipes burst. Even though frozen pipes thaw on their own as outside temperatures begin to rise, you should not wait until this happens. Instead, tu off the water supply and locate the frozen pipe. Next, open the faucets connected to the frozen pipes and raise the temperature of the pipes using a space heater, electric heating pad, heating cable, or hairdryer.

Caution: Do not attempt to warm frozen pipes with flame devices such as a propane heater, blowtorch, charcoal stove, or kerosene heater.

Need Help With Thawing Frozen Pipes Or Pipe Replacement? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Even if you take all the necessary precautions, extremely low temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze and burst. Older and deteriorating pipes are more likely to freeze and burst. If your pipes are frozen and you need help with thawing them or they’ve burst, call professional plumbers to help you out. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we can help you with thawing frozen pipes, pipe repair, and pipe replacement. We have served residential and commercial customers for more than 50 years, and we’ve become one of the most trusted plumbing companies.

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