Frozen pipe thawing
We find the frozen section and thaw it safely, then check it for splits before the water comes back on.
Photo by Robert Zunikoff on Unsplash
Frozen & burst pipes · York County, PA
Burst Pipe Repair in York, PA
No water on a freezing morning, or a pipe spraying water? Shut off the main valve and call us. We thaw frozen pipes and repair burst pipes across York County, 24/7.
What we fix
Frozen and burst pipe services in York, PA
Winter calls come from all over the county, from older homes in York to rural homes near Stewartstown.
Burst pipe repair
We cut out the split section, replace it and test the line. Water spraying right now? Call our emergency plumbing service.
Split copper pipe
Copper often splits along the side when it freezes. We cut out the bad length and solder in new pipe.
PEX pipe repair
PEX handles cold better, but its fittings can crack. We replace the fitting or section.
Galvanized pipe repair
Old steel pipe in older York homes cracks at the threads. We repair it or replace the run with new pipe.
Frozen outdoor faucet
A hose left on can split the spigot inside the wall. We repair or replace the outdoor faucet.
Frost-free spigot install
A frost-free outdoor faucet shuts off inside the warm wall, so it does not freeze and burst.
Pipes in outside walls
Kitchen and bathroom lines in cold outside walls freeze again and again. We reroute or protect them.
Crawl space pipes
Pipes in cold crawl spaces and garages. We repair the damage and insulate the lines.
Pipe insulation
We wrap exposed pipes in unheated spaces so they stay above freezing on cold nights.
Frozen main water line
No water anywhere in the house. If the main line froze or split, our water line repair service fixes it.
Hidden leaks after a thaw
Some splits only leak once the ice melts. Our leak detection service finds them.
Pipe burst?
Frozen or burst pipe? Do this first
- Shut off the main water valveTurn it clockwise. Usually in the basement on the front wall.
- Turn off power to wet areasOnly if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
- Open a faucetThis drains the water left in the pipes and lowers the pressure.
- Never use an open flameNo torches or propane heaters on a frozen pipe. It is a fire risk.
- Call usCall (717) 750-0749. We fix frozen and burst pipes 24/7.
Know your risk
Where pipes freeze first in York County homes
| Where | Risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor faucets and hoses | Very high | Unhook hoses, shut off the inside valve, drain the spigot |
| Crawl spaces and garages | Very high | Insulate pipes and close vents in winter |
| Kitchen sink on an outside wall | High | Open the cabinet doors and let the faucet drip on cold nights |
| Basement pipes near the foundation | Medium | Seal cracks and gaps that let cold air in |
| Pipes in a vacant or cold room | Medium | Keep the heat at 55 °F or higher, even when away |
| Pipes in heated inside walls | Low | Keep the heat on |
Basement flooded after the thaw? Our sump pump repair service keeps the water out.
Freeze facts
Why pipes burst in the cold
Water expands as it freezes. In a closed pipe, that pressure has nowhere to go.
32 °FTemperature at which water freezes.
20 °FOutdoor temperature when pipes in unheated areas are most at risk (University of Illinois research).
~9%How much water expands when it turns to ice.
Low 20s °FAverage January nights in York, right in the danger zone.
Frozen and Burst Pipes in York, PA: FAQs
How do I know if my pipes are frozen?
A faucet gives little or no water on a very cold day, you see frost on a pipe, or a pipe in a cold area looks bulged. Pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces, garages and under kitchen sinks on outside walls freeze first.
What do I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve right away. Turn off power to wet areas if you can reach the panel safely. Open a faucet to drain the lines, move valuables away from the water, then call us at (717) 750-0749. We are open 24/7.
Can I thaw a frozen pipe myself?
You can try with gentle heat, like a hair dryer or warm towels, with the faucet open. Never use an open flame, torch or propane heater. If you cannot reach the pipe, or it may already be split, call us before it thaws.
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Water freezes at 32 °F, but pipes in unheated areas are at most risk when outside temperatures fall to about 20 °F or lower, based on University of Illinois research. York County January nights average in the low 20s °F.
Should I let my faucets drip in cold weather?
Yes, on very cold nights. A slow drip from the faucet farthest from where water enters the house keeps water moving and relieves pressure in the pipe. Open both hot and cold if it is a single-handle faucet.
How do I stop pipes from freezing?
Keep the heat on, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls, let the coldest faucet drip on very cold nights, unhook garden hoses before winter, and insulate pipes in garages, crawl spaces and unheated basements.
Plumbing problem right now?
Call York Plumbing Pros, we answer 24/7
Tell us what is going on and we will get a plumber headed your way anywhere in York County.