Winter in Massachusetts brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. These conditions create an increased risk of frozen pipes. When temperatures drop significantly, water inside pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to burst. A frozen pipe burst can lead to significant water damage to your property, leaving homeowners and business owners with a mess to clean up. Here’s what you need to know about handling a frozen pipe burst and preventing extensive damage.
What Happens When Your Pipes Freeze or Leak?
Recognizing the signs of a frozen or leaking pipe can help you act quickly before the situation worsens. Here are some common indicators:
- No water flow: If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, the pipe feeding the faucet may be frozen.
- Frost on pipes: Visible frost or ice on the exterior of a pipe is a clear sign of freezing.
- Unusual odors: A strange smell coming from your drains could indicate a frozen or partially blocked pipe.
- Cold baseboard heaters: If your baseboard heaters are not producing heat, this could indicate that the pipes supplying hot water to the heater have frozen. You might also notice uneven heating throughout your home or hear unusual sounds, such as banging or gurgling, coming from the heating system.
- Leaks: Once a pipe bursts, you may notice water pooling around the area or dripping from ceilings or walls.
What to do When a Frozen Pipe Bursts
Dealing with a frozen pipe burst can feel overwhelming, but quick action can help minimize water damage and repair costs. Here’s what to do:
- Shut off the water supply: Locate your home’s main water valve and turn it off immediately to prevent further water from entering the burst pipe.
- Turn off electricity: If the water damage is near electrical wiring or appliances, turn off the electricity in that area to avoid potential hazards.
- Contain the water: Use buckets, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much water as possible and prevent it from spreading to other areas of your property.
- Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the affected areas for insurance purposes.
- Contact a water damage restoration professional: Water damage restoration experts can help assess the extent of the damage, remove water, and dry your property to prevent mold growth and structural issues.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
While it’s important to know how to handle a frozen pipe burst, prevention is the best course of action. Here are some tips to protect your pipes during the harsh New England winters:
- Insulate exposed pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape to cover pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, or attics.
- Seal drafts: Prevent cold air from entering your home by sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and pipe openings.
- Let faucets drip: Allowing a small trickle of water to flow through your pipes can prevent freezing by relieving pressure.
- Keep your thermostat consistent: Maintain a steady temperature over 55 degrees throughout your home, even when you’re away.
- Know your main water valve location: Familiarize yourself with where your water shut-off valve is located so you can act quickly in an emergency.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage from Frozen Pipes?
One of the most common concerns homeowners have after a frozen pipe burst is whether their insurance will cover the resulting water damage. The answer depends on your specific policy and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Sudden and accidental damage: Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover water damage caused by a frozen pipe burst as long as the damage was sudden and accidental. For example, if a pipe freezes and bursts during an unexpected cold snap, your policy will likely cover the repair and restoration costs.
- Neglect or lack of maintenance: Insurance companies may deny coverage if they determine that the damage resulted from neglect. For instance, if you failed to maintain adequate heating in your home or did not take reasonable steps to prevent freezing, the claim may be denied.
- Secondary damage: While the initial water damage may be covered, secondary issues like mold growth caused by delayed action may not be included. It’s important to act quickly and document all steps taken to mitigate the damage.
- Policy exclusions: Review your policy for specific exclusions or limitations related to water damage. Some policies may exclude coverage for damage caused by frozen pipes in unheated areas or properties left unoccupied for extended periods.
If you’re unsure about your coverage, contact your insurance agent to clarify the terms of your policy. Additionally, working with a professional water damage restoration company can help streamline the claims process, as they can provide detailed documentation and communication for the necessary repairs.
How Water Damage Restoration Professionals Clean Up Damage from a Pipe Burst
In the aftermath of a frozen pipe burst, professional water damage restoration services are essential to restore your property to its pre-loss condition. These experts use advanced equipment to extract water, dry affected areas, and prevent further issues like mold growth or structural weakening. Attempting to handle severe water damage on your own can result in incomplete drying and long-term problems, making professional intervention crucial.
Why Choose ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning
At ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning, we understand how stressful and disruptive a frozen pipe burst can be. Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island, our water damage restoration team responds quickly to mitigate damage, clean up affected areas, and restore your property. Whether you’re dealing with a leaking pipe, frozen pipe burst, or any other water damage emergency, you can count on us for fast, professional service.
Final Thoughts
Frozen pipe bursts are a common winter hazard in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, but taking the right steps can minimize damage and save you time and money. From shutting off the water supply to contacting a trusted water damage restoration company, prompt action is key. By implementing preventative measures, you can protect your pipes and reduce the risk of winter water damage in your home or business.
For professional help with water damage restoration, contact ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning today. We’re here to restore peace of mind and get your property back to normal.