How to Protect Your Michigan Home From Frozen Pipes This Winter | First Contact Restoration
A Winter Safety Guide by First Contact Restoration
Michigan winters bring bitter cold, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures that can wreak havoc on your home—especially your plumbing system. Every year, thousands of homeowners experience frozen or burst pipes, leading to major water damage and costly repairs.
At First Contact Restoration, we specialize in helping Michigan homeowners recover from winter water emergencies. To help you avoid disaster this season, we’ve created this expert guide filled with proven strategies to keep your pipes from freezing.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Major Risk for Michigan Homes
Michigan’s long, harsh winters make homes especially vulnerable to frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands—causing pipes to crack, burst, and leak. These breaks often occur in areas of the home that stay cold or lack insulation.
High-risk areas include:
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Attics
- Garages
- Exterior walls
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Utility rooms
A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes, damaging flooring, drywall, electrical systems, and personal belongings.
Top Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
1. Insulate Exposed or Vulnerable Pipes
Any plumbing near exterior walls or cold zones needs insulation. Use:
- Foam pipe sleeves
- Heat tape
- Electric heating cables
This simple step is one of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes in Michigan homes.
2. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks
Cold air entering your home quickly drops pipe temperatures. Seal gaps around:
- Windows and doors
- Crawl space access points
- Dryer vents
- Wiring or plumbing penetrations
A warmer home equals safer pipes.
3. Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent
Set your thermostat to at least 55°F, even if you're away. Sudden drops in temperature—especially at night—are a leading cause of pipe freezing.
4. Allow Faucets to Drip During Extreme Cold
Moving water is far less likely to freeze. Allow a slow drip from faucets served by pipes on exterior walls or in unheated spaces.
5. Open Cabinets to Improve Air Circulation
Open the cabinet doors below sinks to allow warm household air to reach the plumbing. This is especially important in kitchens against outside walls.
6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Before the first hard freeze, disconnect hoses, shut off exterior faucets, and drain remaining water. Frozen outdoor plumbing can cause interior pipes to burst.
7. Add Insulation to Crawl Spaces and Basements
Poor insulation is a major cause of frozen pipes in Michigan. Adding insulation reduces heat loss and protects both your plumbing and your home’s energy efficiency.
How to Tell if Your Pipes Are Freezing
Early detection prevents expensive damage. Warning signs include:
- Little or no water coming from faucets
- Frost or ice on exposed pipes
- Unusual smells from drains
- Gurgling or bubbling noises
If you suspect a frozen pipe, turn off the water supply immediately and call a professional.
What to Do if a Pipe Bursts
If a frozen pipe bursts, quick action is essential:
- Shut off your main water supply.
- Turn off power to the affected area.
- Move furniture and belongings to prevent further damage.
- Contact First Contact Restoration 24/7 for emergency water damage cleanup.
Our Michigan team responds fast to provide:
- Emergency water extraction
- Structural drying
- Mold prevention
- Full water damage restoration
Why Michigan Homeowners Trust First Contact Restoration
First Contact Restoration is a leading water damage restoration company in Michigan, known for our fast response, advanced equipment, and commitment to protecting your home.
We specialize in:
- Burst pipe cleanup and repair
- Frozen pipe mitigation
- Water extraction and drying
- Structural restoration
- Preventative solutions
When Michigan winter strikes, we’re the first call homeowners make.
Stay Safe This Winter With First Contact Restoration
Frozen pipes can turn into a major disaster—but with early preparation and expert help, your home can stay protected all season long.
If you experience frozen pipes, water leaks, or any type of winter water damage, First Contact Restoration is ready 24/7 with fast, reliable service.
Contact us today for immediate help or preventative winter home inspections.










