How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Indiana (and What to Do If They Burst)
Indiana winters regularly dip below zero, and every January our phones light up with frozen and burst pipe calls. Most are preventable.
Before the freeze
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outdoor spigots.
- Insulate pipes in crawlspaces, garages, attics, and exterior walls with foam sleeves.
- Seal drafts around pipe penetrations, sill plates, and vents.
- Know where your main shutoff valve is and make sure it turns.
- Schedule a winter plumbing inspection to find vulnerable lines.
During extreme cold
- Let faucets on exterior walls drip slowly.
- Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when away.
If a pipe freezes
Open the faucet, then apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or heating pad starting at the faucet end. Never use an open flame. If you cannot locate the frozen section or the pipe is inside a wall, call a plumber — a frozen pipe may already be split and will leak when it thaws.
If a pipe bursts
Shut off the main valve, open faucets to drain pressure, turn off the water heater, and call A Good Plumber for 24/7 burst pipe repair. We serve all of Indiana, including Indianapolis, South Bend, and Gary.