Pittsburgh winters are no joke. With temperatures often dipping below freezing, heavy snowfall, and sudden cold snaps, frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage in Pittsburgh homes. When pipes freeze, they can burst—leading to costly repairs, structural damage, and emergency water cleanup.
As a trusted Pittsburgh water damage restoration company, we’ve seen firsthand how preventable frozen pipe damage can be. In this guide, we’ll share practical, proven tips to help you protect your pipes, your home, and your wallet this winter.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Problem in Pittsburgh
Frozen pipes don’t just block water flow—they create pressure inside the pipe. When that pressure becomes too much, the pipe cracks or bursts. Once temperatures rise, water floods your home, often damaging:
- Drywall and ceilings
- Flooring and carpeting
- Cabinets and appliances
- Electrical systems
- Basements and crawl spaces
In an older home, aging plumbing is especially vulnerable.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes Before Winter Hits
One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is proper insulation.
Pipes that need insulation the most:
Basement and crawl space pipes, Pipes along exterior walls, Garage plumbing, Attic plumbing
Use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or pipe sleeves from a local hardware store. This small investment can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage restoration costs.
Pro Tip: Pittsburgh basements are often colder than expected—don’t skip insulating pipes down there.
2. Keep Your Home Warm (Even When You’re Away)
When temperatures drop below freezing, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even if you’re leaving town.
Many frozen pipe disasters happen when:
Homeowners turn off the heat to save money, Properties sit vacant during winter, Rental homes aren’t properly monitored
If you’re going away, consider asking a neighbor or property manager to check your home during extreme cold.
3. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
When Pittsburgh experiences Arctic-level cold, allowing faucets to slowly drip can prevent pipes from freezing.
Why it works: Moving water is less likely to freeze
It relieves pressure inside the pipes. Focus on faucets connected to pipes on exterior walls, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Seal Air Leaks and Drafts
Cold air can sneak into your home through small gaps and cracks, freezing pipes before you realize there’s a problem.
Check and seal:
Gaps around windows and doors, Cracks in foundation walls, Openings where pipes enter the home
Use caulk or weather stripping to block cold air. This also improves energy efficiency—an added bonus during high winter heating bills.
5. Open Cabinet Doors to Improve Heat Flow
In kitchens and bathrooms, pipes are often hidden behind cabinets. During freezing weather:
Open cabinet doors under sinks, Allow warm air to circulate around pipes
This is especially important in older Pittsburgh homes with less insulation.
6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor plumbing is extremely vulnerable in winter.
Before freezing temperatures arrive:
Disconnect garden hoses, Shut off exterior water valves, Drain outdoor faucets, Add a hose bib cover
If your home has frost-free spigots, make sure they’re functioning properly. A frozen outdoor pipe can easily lead to interior water damage.
7. Know the Signs of Frozen Pipes
Catching frozen pipes early can prevent a full-blown water damage emergency.
Warning signs include:
Little or no water flow, Frost on exposed pipes, Unusual odors from drains, Strange noises when turning on faucets
If you suspect a frozen pipe, do not use open flames to thaw it. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels instead.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts in Your Home
If the worst happens, act fast:
- Shut off the main water supply immediately
- Turn off electricity in affected areas if safe
- Call a Pittsburgh water damage restoration professional
- Begin documenting damage for insurance
Fast response is critical. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes—and the higher the risk of mold growth.
Trust Restore It to handle your water damage professionally, quickly, and follow the IICRC standards to Restore your home to its pre-loss condition.
Even with the best prevention, frozen pipes can still happen—especially during severe Pittsburgh winters. When they do, you need a local team that responds quickly and understands our region’s homes and weather challenges.
If you’re dealing with:
Frozen or burst pipes, Basement flooding, Emergency water cleanup, Mold concerns after water damage
Restore It water damage restoration experts are available 24/7 to help protect your home and restore it safely.
Stay Prepared This Winter!!
Preventing frozen pipes is far easier—and far less expensive—than repairing water damage. By taking proactive steps now, you can enjoy peace of mind all winter long.
If you need help with water damage, inspections, or emergency cleanup in the Pittsburgh area, don’t wait—contact Restore It, the local water damage restoration professionals, today. 724-935-7511
Northern Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Cranberry Township, Butler, Gibsonia, Sewickley, Marshall Twp, Franklin Park, Warrendale, Seven Fields, Mars, Allison Park, Hampton, West View, Ohio Twp, Zelienople, Coroapolis, Moon Twp., North Hills