# Burst Pipes Are A Headache You Want To Avoid -- Take Steps To Minimize Your Risk > Coming home and hearing the sound of gushing water from burst pipes is one of the worst household woes you can face. Tips for avoiding it. ![insulate pipes, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/insulated-pipes.jpg)If this catastrophe hasn't happened to you, then take it on faith: Walking into your home and hearing the sound of gushing water from burst pipes is one of the worst household maladies you can ever face. ![insulate pipes, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/insulated-pipes.jpg) Frozen pipes can burst in the winter because of built-up pressure, and this is definitely a risk you want to minimize before frigid temperatures become a daily fact of life here in Massachusetts. To reduce the chance of burst pipes, follow these steps: - Begin by wrapping pipes contained in outside walls, attics and crawl spaces in insulation sleeves. These pipes are most prone to freezing because they are closest to outdoor air. If in doubt, choose the thickest insulation possible; the extra cost will be worth your peace of mind. - Purchase some caulk to seal any holes and cracks in outside walls that are near these pipes. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring and dryer vents, too, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. During a period of severe cold, even a tiny hole, invisible to the naked eye, can usher in enough cold air to freeze a pipe. - Take the extra precaution of leaving kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open, especially those that abut an outside wall. If you've ever opened one of these doors and felt a rush of cold air, you'll appreciate how this small act will help keep warm air circulating around these pipes. It pays to be extra vigilant when the temperature (or the temperature with the wind-chill index) falls to 20 degrees or below. At this point, let faucets that are connected to pipes that run through unheated spaces trickle constantly. Even a slight drip of water will help relieve water pressure within the pipes. If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and leave the faucet open. Then call the experts at [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://www.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html). We'll inspect the pipes in your home and find ways to protect you — and your wallet — from catastrophes like burst pipes. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about* ***other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** *[Insulated pipe image ](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-62010250/stock-photo-close-up-view-of-two-thermally-insulated-copper-pipes.html?src=lb-7797313)via Shutterstock* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/steps-to-avoid-burst-pipes.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/steps-to-avoid-burst-pipes.html)