Michigan winters bring beautiful snowfalls—but also bitter cold that can wreak havoc on your home. One of the biggest risks is frozen pipes, which can burst and flood your property in a matter of minutes. The good news? With preparation and the right precautions, you can protect your home and avoid costly water damage this season.
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Why Frozen Pipes Are So Dangerous
When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands. That pressure can cause cracks or full bursts, sending gallons of water into walls, ceilings, and basements. The damage is fast, destructive, and expensive to repair. Common areas most at risk include:
- Pipes in unheated basements or crawlspaces.
- Plumbing near exterior walls.
- Attics and garages without insulation.
- Outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems.
Knowing where pipes are vulnerable helps you take targeted action before temperatures drop.
Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Michigan Homes
Preventing frozen pipes starts with winterizing your plumbing. Here are proactive steps every homeowner should take:
- Insulate pipes in basements, attics, and crawlspaces with foam sleeves or heat tape.
- Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and foundation cracks to keep cold air out.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets.
- Keep interior temperatures steady—even when you’re away.
- Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving.
These small steps can save you from major headaches when temperatures plunge.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
Despite preparation, pipes can still freeze during Michigan’s harshest cold snaps. If you suspect a frozen pipe:
- Turn off the main water supply immediately.
- Open faucets to relieve pressure.
- Use a hair dryer or space heater to gently warm the pipe (never use an open flame).
- Call a professional if you cannot locate or safely thaw the pipe.
If a pipe bursts, call Aaron Builders right away. Our 24/7 emergency response team can be on-site within one hour to stop water intrusion, perform extraction and dry-out, and begin repairs.
Long-Term Solutions: Heat and Insulation
Prevention isn’t just about quick fixes—it’s also about investing in long-term protection. Consider:
- Adding extra insulation in attics, basements, and crawlspaces.
- Installing a backup generator to keep heat running during power outages.
- Using temporary heat solutions in vulnerable areas, especially for seasonal properties.
- Scheduling annual plumbing inspections to spot issues before winter hits.
Aaron Builders also offers winterizing services for Michigan homeowners, giving you peace of mind before the deep freeze arrives.
How Insurance Handles Frozen Pipe Damage
Many homeowners don’t realize that insurance coverage for frozen pipe damage often depends on whether proper maintenance steps were taken. If you left your home unheated or failed to winterize, claims may be denied. That’s why prevention—and documentation—matter.
As a preferred contractor for more insurance carriers than any other restoration company in Southeast Michigan, Aaron Builders works directly with adjusters to streamline claims, from documentation through final repairs.
Protect Your Home Before the Freeze
Frozen pipes don’t just damage your home—they disrupt your life. By winterizing now, you can avoid emergency repairs later. And if the unexpected happens, Aaron Builders will be there with fast response, expert restoration, and a 5-year workmanship warranty.
Call us today at 248-957-9660 or visit aaronbuilders.com to schedule winterization services or request emergency help. Find us on our Google Maps Listing.