TL;DR: Frozen Pipes in Michigan
- Freezing temperatures can crack pipes and cause massive water damage.
- Draining hoses and shutting off outdoor faucets prevents ice from building up.
- Insulating exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and attics helps guard against temperature swings.
- Early preparation gives you the best chance to prevent issues with freezing and flooding.
Michigan winters can shift from mild to freezing overnight, and your plumbing often feels the impact first. When temperatures drop suddenly, the water inside your pipes begins to cool and contract. Once it freezes, it expands and can create enough pressure to crack or burst a line. Even a small freeze can cause major water damage, especially in homes with older plumbing or exposed pipes.
Preparing your plumbing before the first hard freeze is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home. In this post, we’ll cover everything you’ll need to know before we hit the holiday deep freeze, so you can keep your plumbing flowing like usual.
Why Plumbing Freezes Happen in Michigan
The Great Lakes region, in general, can see sharp temperature drops that can occur with little warning. Cold fronts often move in quickly, causing rapid freezing that puts homes at higher risk than many other parts of the country. Homes with crawl spaces, unheated basements, or older outdoor faucets are especially vulnerable because cold air can move in and surround unprotected pipes.
When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands with enough force to damage fittings and joints. Even copper and PEX pipes can fail under sustained pressure. Once the temperature rises again, the ice melts, and water begins to leak through newly formed cracks. Many homeowners in Michigan discover these leaks only after they have already caused structural damage.
Understanding these risks helps you take steps to prevent frozen pipes. Proper insulation, sealed openings, and regular checks, before winter arrives, can make a significant difference. Rooter MD’s local knowledge ensures that these methods are tailored to the specific climate patterns that Michigan homeowners face every year.
Winter Plumbing Checklist: Pre-Freeze Actions
Preparing early gives your plumbing the best chance of surviving the winter without problems. Make sure you take some time to run through our checklist below, before the daily temps start to drop too low, too often.
- Drain outdoor faucets. Shut off the interior valve that supplies each outdoor spigot, then open the faucet outside to release remaining water.
- Disconnect garden hoses. A connected hose traps water in the faucet and increases the chance of ice damage.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Focus on basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics where pipes are more likely to freeze.
- Seal gaps and cracks. Check for openings where cold air can reach plumbing, including around foundation walls and sill plates.
- Adjust your thermostat. Keep it set to a consistent temperature to protect interior pipes during extreme cold.
- Open cabinets under sinks. This allows warm air to reach pipes located on exterior walls.
Insulating Pipes and Hidden Risk Zones
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to protect vulnerable plumbing during winter. Pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and attached garages face the highest risk because temperatures in these spaces can drop below freezing even when the home’s interior remains warm.
Foam pipe sleeves, heat tape, and thermal wraps help keep water flowing by maintaining a more stable temperature around exposed pipes.
Hidden risk zones are just as important to address. Look for plumbing that runs along exterior walls, behind kitchen cabinets, under bathroom vanities, or near drafty windows.
These areas can become surprisingly cold during Michigan’s overnight temperature drops. Adding insulation, sealing small gaps, and improving airflow around these pipes can significantly reduce your chance of frozen plumbing.
What to Do if a Pipe Freezes or Bursts
Even with the best, most studious preparation, the extreme cold of the Michigan new year can still freeze a pipe solid. If you turn on the faucet and you’re only getting a trickle, that pipe may already be frozen.
Start by turning off the main water supply to prevent pressure from building. Open nearby faucets to relieve any remaining pressure inside the system. Never use an open flame, like a propane torch. You can damage your plumbing and create a fire hazard at the same time.
If the pipe has already burst, the priority is stopping the water flow and preventing further damage. Shut off the main valve and move valuables away from the affected area. Once the situation is stabilized, contact a licensed plumber right away.
Moving fast is the only way to avoid serious structural damage and potentially shorten the cleanup process.
Get Ahead of the Game with Routine Maintenance
Regular maintenance is one of the most reliable ways to protect your home during Michigan’s harsh winters. Annual plumbing inspections can identify worn insulation, aging fixtures, and hidden leaks before freezing weather causes a larger problem.
Professional seasonal maintenance also gives you peace of mind when the first deep freeze hits. With a plumber assessing risk zones throughout your home, you can focus on staying warm and enjoying the season without worrying about frozen pipes.
Partner with the Leader in Winter-Ready Michigan Plumbing
Rooter MD provides expert support for frozen pipes, burst line emergencies, and winter preparation services throughout Michigan.
We’re ready to help homeowners protect their property with expert inspections and seasonal maintenance, along with emergency services when you need them. Get in touch with us online, or by calling 248-888-7777, and we’ll help you keep your plumbing safe all winter long.
