Water lines running through a crawl space are some of the most exposed pipes in a home. When temperatures drop in an Indiana cold snap, they can freeze, split and send hundreds of gallons of water under your house before you notice.
If a pipe just burst
- Shut off the main water valve. This is the most important step. The main shutoff is usually where the water line enters the home. If you can't find it, your water utility can shut water off at the meter.
- Open faucets to drain the remaining water out of the lines.
- Stay out of standing water near electrical. Shut off power to the area from a dry location only if it's safe.
- Call a plumber to repair the pipe.
- Get the crawl space extracted and dried. Fixing the pipe doesn't dry the soil, framing and insulation underneath. A restoration company can do both the extraction and the drying, and document it for your claim.
- Photograph everything and notify your insurance company.
Burst pipe under the house? Get water extraction started now.
Call: (317) 426-0557Why crawl space pipes freeze
- Crawl spaces are often barely warmer than outdoors, especially with open vents.
- Pipes near vents, rim joists or foundation cracks get hit by cold air directly.
- Uninsulated supply lines lose heat fast.
- Long cold snaps, the kind central Indiana sees most winters, let the cold soak in for days.
Signs of a frozen or burst pipe
- A faucet that only trickles, or no water at all, on a very cold day.
- Frost on an exposed pipe.
- The sound of running water when everything is off.
- A sudden jump in your water bill.
- Damp, cold or warm spots in the floor above the crawl space.
Preventing frozen pipes
- Insulate exposed pipes in the crawl space with foam pipe sleeves.
- Close or cover crawl space vents for the winter if your home's design allows it.
- Seal gaps around the rim joist and foundation where cold air gets in.
- During extreme cold, let faucets on outside walls drip and open cabinet doors under sinks.
- Keep the heat on, at least in the 50s, if you travel in winter.
- Know where your main shutoff is before you need it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a pipe burst in my crawl space?
Signs include a sudden drop in water pressure, the sound of running water when nothing is on, a water bill spike, wet or warm spots in the floor, or visible water when you open the crawl space access.
Does insurance cover a burst pipe?
Homeowners policies often cover sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe, though they may not cover damage from a slow leak or from pipes that froze because the home wasn't heated. Check your policy and report the damage promptly.
How do I thaw a frozen pipe safely?
Open the faucet it feeds, then warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, heating pad or space heater kept at a safe distance. Never use an open flame or torch, especially in a crawl space. If you can't reach the pipe or it has split, shut off the water and call a plumber.