Maryland winters can swing from mild to bitter overnight. One hard freeze is all it takes to leave you with no water, or worse, water pouring through your ceiling.
The good news is that frozen pipes are very preventable. A few easy steps now can save you from a stressful emergency later.
This guide shows you how to prevent frozen pipes in Maryland, what to do if one freezes, and who to call when you need help fast.
Why Pipes Freeze in the First Place
Water expands when it turns to ice. That expansion builds pressure inside the pipe.
When the pressure gets too high, the pipe can crack or split. Here is the key part: the break often happens after the ice melts, when water floods out of the damaged spot.
So a burst pipe from freezing is rarely noticed during the freeze itself. You see it when things warm up.
Where Pipes Freeze Most Often
Some spots in your home are riskier than others. Pipes freezing in winter usually happens in:
- Unheated basements and crawl spaces
- Garages
- Attics
- Outside walls
- Outdoor spigots and hose connections
- Pipes near drafty windows or vents
- Water lines that run underground
Pipes that run along exterior walls are the usual trouble makers, because cold air reaches them easily.
When Should You Worry? Know the Temperature
Pipes in unheated areas can start to freeze when outdoor temperatures drop to around 20°F or lower. Wind, drafts, and long cold spells make the risk higher.
Watch the forecast. When a deep freeze is coming, take action the day before, not the night of.
Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips: Do These in Fall
Fall is the best time to get ready. Start with this winter plumbing checklist.
Outside
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses
- Shut off water to outdoor spigots if you have an inside shutoff
- Cover exposed outdoor fixtures
- Fix gaps where pipes enter the house
Inside
- Find your main water shutoff and make sure it works
- Look for leaks and drips that could get worse
- Seal drafts around pipes, vents, and windows
- Check your water heater for leaks or rust. See our water heater services
Basement
- Check your sump pump before winter storms and melting snow. Learn about our sump pump services
A fall inspection from a pro can catch weak spots early. Our team handles this through our residential plumbing services.
How to Insulate Pipes for Winter
Insulation is one of the easiest wins. Here is how to insulate pipes for winter.
- Start with pipes in basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces
- Use foam pipe sleeves, which are cheap and simple to install
- Wrap tightly and cover all joints and corners
- Seal gaps in walls and rim joists where cold air sneaks in
- Use heat cable only if it is made for plumbing and installed as the maker says
Insulation slows heat loss. It does not make pipes freezeproof in extreme cold, so combine it with the habits below.
Smart Habits When a Cold Snap Hits
When the temperature drops, try these:
- Keep the heat on. Don’t set your thermostat too low, even if you’re away. Many experts suggest staying at 55°F or higher.
- Let faucets drip. A slow trickle of water keeps it moving, which helps prevent freezing. Use the faucet farthest from your main shutoff.
- Open cabinet doors. This lets warm air reach pipes under sinks, especially on outside walls.
- Keep the garage door closed. Water lines often run near garages.
- Know your shutoff. Everyone in the house should know where it is.
Going Away for Winter? Do This First
An empty house is the riskiest time for frozen pipes. No one is there to catch a problem.
Before you leave:
- Keep the heat on at a safe level
- Ask a neighbor to check on the home
- Consider shutting off the main water and draining the lines
- Look at your water heater settings
If you are unsure, ask our team before you go.
Warning Signs a Pipe Is Freezing
Catch it early. Watch for:
- Water coming out as a trickle
- No water from a faucet
- Frost on exposed pipes
- Strange smells from a drain or faucet
- Bulging or cracked pipes
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
Here is what to do if pipes freeze, step by step.
Step 1: Keep the faucet open. As ice melts, water needs somewhere to go.
Step 2: Find the frozen spot. Look for frost or a pipe that feels very cold.
Step 3: Warm it slowly. Use a hair dryer, a heating pad, or warm towels.
Step 4: Start at the faucet end and work back toward the frozen area.
Step 5: Keep going until normal water pressure returns.
Never use:
- An open flame, like a torch or lighter
- A space heater near water or wet surfaces
- Boiling water poured on pipes
These can cause fires, burns, or cracked pipes.
If you can’t find the frozen spot, or the pipe is behind a wall, stop and call a plumber.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
A burst pipe is an emergency. Move fast.
- Shut off the main water valve right away
- Turn off electricity if water is near outlets or appliances
- Open faucets to drain what is left in the lines
- Move valuables and furniture out of the way
- Take photos for your insurance claim
- Call a licensed plumber
When Frozen Pipes Point to a Bigger Problem
Sometimes freezing is a sign of something more serious. Call us if:
- The same pipe freezes every winter
- Water pressure drops after a freeze
- You see wet spots in your yard
- Your water bill jumps
Underground lines can freeze or crack too. If a main water line is damaged, you may need water line excavation and replacement. If leaks are hiding inside a pipe, a camera inspection can help us find the cause.
Save the Emergency Number Today
Pipes don’t freeze on a convenient schedule. They tend to burst on holidays, weekends, and in the middle of the night.
Save our number in your phone now so you’re ready: (301) 920-6922.
Twin Plumbing Solutions offers 24/7 emergency plumbing across Laurel, MD and the greater Maryland area. Learn more about us, or contact us any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent frozen pipes in Maryland during winter?
Insulate exposed pipes, seal drafts, and keep your heat on during cold snaps. Let faucets drip slowly when temperatures drop, and open cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes. A fall plumbing check from our residential plumbing team can spot weak areas before the first freeze.
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Pipes in unheated areas can start to freeze when the outdoor temperature falls to around 20°F or lower. Wind, drafts, and long cold stretches raise the risk. Pipes in exterior walls, attics, and crawl spaces freeze first. Our residential plumbing services include inspections that look at these high-risk spots.
What should I do if my pipes freeze?
Keep the faucet open, then warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or heating pad. Start near the faucet and work toward the frozen area. Never use an open flame. If you can’t find the freeze or the pipe is inside a wall, call our emergency team for help.
What causes a burst pipe from freezing?
When water freezes, it expands and builds pressure inside the pipe. That pressure can crack or split the pipe, and the leak often shows up when the ice melts. If the damage is in an underground line, you may need water line excavation and replacement.
What is the best way to insulate pipes for winter?
Foam pipe sleeves are the easiest and most common choice for basements, attics, and garages. Wrap them tightly and cover all corners and joints. Seal gaps where cold air sneaks in. For hard-to-reach or repeat trouble spots, our residential plumbing team can recommend a better fix.
What should be on a winter plumbing checklist for my home?
Your list should include draining hoses, locating your main shutoff, sealing drafts, insulating exposed pipes, and checking your water heater. If you have a basement, test your sump pump too. Our water heater services and sump pump services can help you finish the list.
Who do I call if a pipe bursts at night in Laurel, MD?
Shut off your main water valve first, then call a licensed emergency plumber right away. Twin Plumbing Solutions offers 24/7 help for homeowners in Laurel and nearby areas. Save our number at (301) 920-6922 before winter so you are never searching for help in a crisis.