When winter hits Rochester, NY, our beautiful city turns into a snowy wonderland, but along with all the cozy scenes and snow-covered rooftops comes one of the most common and costly cold-weather disasters—frozen pipes. At Rochester Restoration, we’ve helped countless homeowners and business owners recover from frozen pipe water damage, and we know just how quickly a small issue can turn into a big mess.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about frozen pipes, how they lead to water damage, what to do if it happens to you, and how to prevent it in the first place. We’re here to help you stay protected this winter and act fast when the unexpected happens.
Key Takeaways
- What causes frozen pipes? Exposed or uninsulated pipes in cold areas can freeze when temps drop below 32°F.
- What happens if a frozen pipe bursts? It can release gallons of water, leading to major water damage in your home or business.
- How do I know if my pipes are frozen? Signs include no water flow, frost on pipes, strange smells, or bulging lines.
- What to do if your pipe bursts: Shut off water, protect valuables, and call a restoration company immediately.
- Rochester Restoration services: Emergency water removal, structural drying, cleanup, mold prevention, and repairs.
- How to prevent frozen pipes: Insulate pipes, seal air leaks, maintain heat, and let faucets drip in freezing temps.
- Insurance coverage: Most policies cover frozen pipe water damage if it’s sudden and not due to negligence.
- Need help fast? Rochester Restoration is available 24/7 for frozen pipe emergencies across Rochester, NY.
What Causes Pipes to Freeze?
Let’s start with the basics. When temperatures drop below 32°F, water inside your plumbing system is at risk of freezing. Pipes that are uninsulated, located in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or along exterior walls are especially vulnerable.
As the water freezes, it expands. This expansion puts pressure on the pipe walls, and if the pressure gets high enough, the pipe will burst. It’s not always the frozen part of the pipe that breaks. It’s usually somewhere between the freeze and your faucet where the pressure has nowhere to go.
Once that pipe thaws, all the built-up water comes rushing out, flooding your home or business in minutes.
Why Frozen Pipe Water Damage is a Big Deal
It may start with a drip, but it can end in disaster. A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in just a few hours. If you’re not home, or if the leak is behind a wall or in a crawlspace, it could be days before you even notice the problem. By then, you might be dealing with soaked carpets, damaged drywall, warped floors, ruined furniture, and the beginning stages of mold growth.
Water damage from frozen pipes can affect:
- Insulation and structural wood framing
- Electrical systems (which could create fire hazards)
- Flooring and carpet padding
- Appliances and personal belongings
- Indoor air quality due to mold and mildew
At Rochester Restoration, we’ve seen the damage firsthand. That’s why quick action is critical.
Signs Your Pipes Might Be Frozen
The sooner you catch a frozen pipe, the better your chances of avoiding serious water damage. Here are some common warning signs to watch for:
- No water coming from the faucet: This is often the first sign. If nothing comes out when you turn on the tap, or if the water pressure is significantly reduced, you may have a frozen line.
- Frost on pipes: If you can visibly see frost or ice buildup on exposed plumbing, that’s a clear red flag.
- Unusual smells: If you smell odd odors coming from your drains or faucets, a frozen pipe might be causing a backup.
- Bulging or cracked pipes: If you notice this, shut off your water immediately and call for emergency help.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts
If you think a pipe is frozen but hasn’t burst yet, you still have time to act. Here’s what to do:
- Shut off your water supply: Prevent more water from flowing through the line.
- Turn up the heat: Warm up the house and open cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes.
- Use a hair dryer or space heater: Apply gentle heat to the frozen section (never use an open flame).
- Call in a professional: It’s better to be safe than sorry. One wrong move could lead to a burst and major damage.
If a pipe has burst, your priority should be limiting the damage:
- Turn off the water supply immediately
- Cut the power if water is near electrical systems
- Soak up standing water with towels and buckets (if safe)
- Call Rochester Restoration for emergency water removal and cleanup
Our Frozen Pipe Water Damage Services
At Rochester Restoration, we offer comprehensive solutions to handle frozen pipe water damage from start to finish. Our trained and certified technicians use advanced equipment and proven techniques to get your property dry, clean, and back to normal.
Here’s what our process typically looks like:
1. Emergency Water Removal
We respond fast—24/7. We extract any standing water to stop the spread and minimize secondary damage.
2. Structural Drying & Dehumidification
We use powerful industrial fans and dehumidifiers to dry out floors, walls, and hidden cavities. This step is essential to prevent mold growth.
3. Damage Assessment & Cleanup
We carefully inspect all affected areas, remove damaged materials (like soggy drywall or carpet), and clean any surfaces that may be contaminated.
4. Mold Prevention & Treatment
Frozen pipe water damage often creates perfect conditions for mold. We take proactive steps to treat and prevent mold, using antimicrobial solutions and containment methods.
5. Repairs & Restoration
Once the area is dry and clean, we’ll repair what’s been damaged by doing things like replacing drywall, repainting, reinstalling flooring, and restoring your space to pre-loss condition.
Commercial Frozen Pipe Restoration
Frozen pipes don’t just affect homes. Businesses across Rochester are vulnerable too, especially those with large buildings or older plumbing. We provide commercial water damage restoration services tailored to minimize downtime and protect your property and assets.
From schools and offices to retail spaces and apartment complexes, Rochester Restoration is equipped to handle large-scale water emergencies with professionalism, speed, and care.
Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
We always say prevention is the best restoration. Here are some helpful tips to keep your pipes safe this winter:
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas with foam sleeves or heat tape
- Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, even overnight
- Open cabinets under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
- Let faucets drip during extreme cold to keep water moving
- Seal cracks and openings around doors, windows, and the foundation to block cold air
- Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets before winter hits
Insurance & Frozen Pipe Damage
Most homeowners insurance policies do cover sudden water damage from a burst frozen pipe, but they typically don’t cover damage caused by neglect (like not heating your home). It’s important to act quickly and document everything. We work with all major insurance providers and can help you navigate the claims process smoothly and stress-free.
Why Choose Rochester Restoration?
We’re not just a restoration company. We’re your neighbors. Based right here in Rochester, we understand what winters in upstate New York can do to homes and buildings. Our team is experienced, certified, and committed to doing the job right the first time.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- 24/7 emergency response
- Friendly, professional technicians
- Full-service restoration—from cleanup to rebuild
- Locally owned and operated
- We work with your insurance
When frozen pipes strike, you don’t have time to waste. You need a team that shows up fast, knows what they’re doing, and genuinely cares. That’s us.
Call Rochester Restoration. We’re Here When You Need Us Most
Don’t let frozen pipes catch you off guard this winter. If you’re facing water damage or want help preventing it, reach out to the team at Rochester Restoration. We’re proud to serve the Rochester community with fast, reliable, and friendly restoration services you can trust.
Whether it’s 2 a.m. on a freezing morning or you just want to prepare your home before winter hits, we’ve got your back. Let us handle the mess, so you can get back to what matters most.
Call Rochester Restoration today and let us help you restore your space as well as your peace of mind.
