How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Northeast Ohio

Northeast Ohio winters regularly bring temperatures well below freezing, and Trumbull, Mahoning, and Ashtabula counties are no exception. When water inside your pipes freezes, it expands — and that expansion can generate thousands of pounds of pressure per square inch against pipe walls.

The result is a burst pipe that can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home in a matter of hours. We respond to more frozen pipe emergencies between December and February than any other type of call. The good news is that most frozen pipe damage is preventable with a few straightforward steps.

The single most effective thing you can do is insulate pipes that run through unheated areas — basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls. Foam pipe sleeves cost a few dollars per length at any hardware store and take minutes to install.

Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls and in corners where two outside walls meet. These are the coldest spots in most Ohio homes. If you have older homes in Warren, Youngstown, or surrounding areas, check for pipes routed through uninsulated spaces — it was a common building practice decades ago.

When temperatures drop below 20°F, open faucets on vulnerable lines to a slow drip. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. Focus on faucets served by pipes running along exterior walls or through unheated spaces.

Yes, this uses a small amount of water. But the cost of a few extra gallons is insignificant compared to the thousands of dollars in damage a burst pipe can cause. If you are leaving your home for a winter vacation, this step is especially important — or better yet, shut off the main water supply and drain the lines.

Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when you are away. Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes. If you have rooms that tend to run cold, use a space heater or keep interior doors open so heat can reach those areas.

Homes with poor insulation or drafty windows lose heat fast. If you notice certain rooms are consistently cold despite the furnace running, address the insulation issue before winter arrives — it protects both your pipes and your energy bill.

Every member of your household should know where the main water shutoff valve is and how to operate it. If a pipe does burst, shutting off the water supply immediately is the single most important thing you can do to limit damage.

Test your shutoff valve before winter. Valves that have not been turned in years can seize. If yours is stuck, have a plumber service it. A working shutoff valve can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and tens of thousands of dollars in water damage.

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, a pipe is likely frozen. Do not use a blowtorch or open flame — this is a fire hazard and can damage pipes. Instead, use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels to gently thaw the pipe starting from the faucet end.

If you cannot locate the frozen section, or if you see bulging or cracked pipes, call a plumber immediately and shut off the main water supply. If a pipe has already burst, call RestoWorks at (330) 240-8919 — we respond within 60 minutes, 24/7, to begin water extraction and prevent mold growth.