Frozen and burst pipes can cause water damage in Eatonton homes and properties around Lake Oconee. Preparing exposed plumbing before freezing weather is especially important when a home will be empty between visits.
Here are practical ways to reduce the risk and what to do if a pipe freezes or starts leaking.
Why Do Pipes Burst in Freezing Temperatures?
Water expands as it freezes and can damage the pipe containing it. A damaged pipe may begin leaking as the ice thaws, so watch for leaks when water flow returns.
How to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Insulate exposed plumbing. Pay attention to pipes in unheated attics, crawl spaces, garages, and along exterior walls.
- Keep the heat on. Maintain a consistent thermostat setting. When away, the American Red Cross recommends at least 55°F.
- Open sink cabinet doors. Let warmer room air reach plumbing, keeping household chemicals away from children and pets.
- Protect vulnerable supply lines. During very cold weather, a trickle of cold water from a faucet supplied by exposed pipes can help prevent freezing.
- Use heating products correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any pipe-heating cable.
Plan Ahead for an Unoccupied Lake Oconee Home
If you will be away, identify your main water shutoff and make sure someone you trust knows its location. Arrange for someone to check the property during freezing weather. Ask a licensed plumber whether your plumbing needs additional protection or winterization.
What to Do If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe
A faucet producing only a trickle during freezing weather may indicate a frozen pipe. Contact a licensed plumber if you cannot locate or safely access the affected section. Never use a torch or other open flame to thaw plumbing.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
- Stop the water if you can safely do so. Shut off the main water supply.
- Avoid electrical hazards. Stay out of water near outlets, appliances, or electrical equipment. Do not enter standing water to reach a breaker panel.
- Arrange plumbing repairs. Have a licensed plumber repair the damaged pipe.
- Arrange water mitigation. Contact Matrix to assess affected materials, remove accessible water, and plan drying.
- Document visible damage when safe. Keep photos and work records, and contact your insurer about the loss.
Water Cleanup and Structural Drying in Eatonton
Stopping the leak is the first step. Water can spread beneath flooring, behind baseboards, and into other building materials. A surface that looks dry may still have moisture underneath.
Matrix Mitigation Services serves Eatonton and the Lake Oconee area with water extraction, moisture assessment, and structural drying. Our work focuses on mitigation and remediation. Plumbing repairs and any necessary reconstruction are handled separately by others.
Learn more about our water damage restoration services and our Lake Oconee service area.
Need Help After a Burst Pipe?
For 24/7 emergency water damage assistance, call 855-541-1010. Tell us where the property is, whether water is still entering, and which areas appear affected.