It’s 6 AM on a frigid January morning in Fishers. The thermometer outside reads 12°F. You stumble to the kitchen for coffee, turn on the faucet, and… nothing. Not even a drip.
Then you hear it—a steady dripping sound coming from inside your wall.
Your heart sinks. You know what this means: frozen pipes. And if you’re hearing water, they’ve likely already burst.
This scenario plays out in hundreds of Central Indiana homes every winter. The average burst pipe causes between $5,000 and $10,000 in damage—destroying walls, floors, ceilings, and precious belongings. Worse yet, if water damage isn’t addressed immediately, mold can begin growing within 24 hours.
But here’s the good news: most frozen pipe disasters are entirely preventable. And even when pipes do freeze or burst, knowing exactly what to do in those critical first minutes can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of stress.
At Absolute Comfort, we’ve responded to hundreds of frozen pipe emergencies across Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, and throughout Central Indiana. We’ve also helped countless homeowners prepare their plumbing systems to survive even the harshest Indiana winters without incident.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: how to prevent frozen pipes before winter hits, how to recognize the warning signs, and most importantly—what to do in those critical moments when a pipe bursts. Whether you’re reading this in August to prepare, or right now in the middle of an emergency, we’ve got you covered.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Major Risk in Indiana Winters
If you’ve lived in Central Indiana for any length of time, you know our winters don’t mess around. While we might not get the extreme cold of northern states, we experience something potentially more dangerous for plumbing: prolonged periods right around the freezing point, with temperatures that yo-yo up and down.
The Science Behind Frozen Pipes
Here’s what happens when temperatures plummet:
Water is unique. Unlike most substances, it expands when it freezes—by about 9% in volume. When water inside a pipe begins to freeze, that expansion creates tremendous pressure. A confined space like a pipe simply can’t accommodate the growing ice, so pressure builds and builds until something gives way.
Both metal and plastic pipes are vulnerable. Copper, PEX, PVC, galvanized steel—none are immune to the laws of physics. When that pressure exceeds the pipe’s strength, you get a crack or a complete rupture.
What makes this especially dangerous is that the pipe might not burst at the frozen spot. Instead, pressure builds upstream, potentially causing a failure somewhere else in the system—often in a location that’s even harder to access.
Why Central Indiana Is Particularly Vulnerable
Indiana sits in a challenging climate zone. Our winters regularly see:
- Overnight lows between 15°F and 25°F throughout January and February
- Extended cold snaps where temperatures stay below 20°F for six or more hours
- Rapid temperature swings that can cause repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Wind chills that make exposed plumbing even more vulnerable
Additionally, many Central Indiana homes—especially older ones in Indianapolis, Carmel, and Fishers—were built before modern insulation standards. Crawl spaces might be poorly sealed, attics under-insulated, and pipes running through exterior walls without adequate protection.
The True Cost of Frozen Pipes
Let’s talk numbers, because this isn’t just an inconvenience:
- Average water damage claim: $5,000 to $10,000
- Emergency plumber call: $150 to $500+ depending on time and severity
- Structural repairs: $2,000 to $8,000 for damaged walls, floors, and ceilings
- Mold remediation: $1,500 to $5,000 if water sits for more than 24-48 hours
- Lost belongings: Irreplaceable items, furniture, electronics
And here’s a critical insurance note: Most homeowners policies cover sudden, accidental pipe bursts. However, if an adjuster determines the burst resulted from negligence—like letting your home get too cold while you were on vacation—your claim might be denied.
Prevention is always cheaper than repair.
Where Frozen Pipes Happen: Identifying Your Home’s Weak Spots
Not all pipes are equally vulnerable. Knowing your home’s weak spots helps you focus your prevention efforts where they matter most.
High-Risk Location #1: Pipes in Exterior Walls
Any plumbing that runs through an exterior wall is at elevated risk. This commonly includes:
- Kitchen sink plumbing on outside-facing walls
- Bathroom vanities and toilets against exterior walls
- Washing machine hookups in garages
These pipes have less protection from freezing outdoor temperatures. Even with wall insulation, there’s often less warm air circulation than in interior walls.
High-Risk Location #2: Unheated Spaces
Spaces without consistent heating are prime candidates for frozen pipes:
- Crawl spaces – Often vented to the outside with minimal heat
- Attics – Exposed to extreme temperatures with little insulation around pipes
- Unfinished basements – Especially in older homes with stone foundations
- Garages – Particularly detached garages or those with thin walls
Many older Indiana homes have plumbing that passes through these spaces on its way to heated areas. These transition points are particularly vulnerable.
High-Risk Location #3: Outdoor Plumbing
Don’t forget about exterior water sources:
- Hose bibs and spigots – Your outdoor faucets are extremely exposed
- Pool supply lines – If not properly winterized
- Irrigation/sprinkler systems – Can freeze in supply lines or backflow preventers
- Water meters – Especially older exposed meters
The good news? These are often the easiest to protect with proper fall preparation.
Why Your Home’s Age Matters
If your Central Indiana home was built before 1980, pay extra attention. Older homes often have:
- Galvanized steel pipes (more prone to freezing and corrosion)
- Less wall insulation around plumbing
- Crawl spaces designed with more ventilation (which seemed like a good idea then)
- Pipes routed through exterior walls without thermal breaks
Newer construction typically accounts for frozen pipe risks, but that doesn’t mean modern homes are immune—especially if someone made questionable plumbing routing decisions.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes: Your Indiana Winter Checklist
The best time to prevent frozen pipes is before the first hard freeze. Here’s your comprehensive game plan, broken into fall preparation tasks and active winter protection.
Before Cold Weather Arrives: Fall Preparation
1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
This is your first and most important line of defense. Head to your local hardware store and pick up:
- Foam pipe sleeves – Pre-slit foam tubes that slip over pipes ($1-2 per linear foot)
- Heat tape or heat cable – Thermostatically controlled cables that wrap around pipes
Focus on pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages, and along exterior walls. For pipes in consistently cold areas, heat tape provides active protection—just make sure to follow manufacturer instructions carefully to avoid fire hazards.
Not comfortable doing this yourself? Absolute Comfort can professionally insulate your vulnerable pipes as part of a winter plumbing inspection.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Cold air infiltration is often the culprit. Inspect your home for gaps and openings:
- Around pipes where they enter the house
- Near electrical wiring penetrations
- Around dryer vents
- In crawl space walls and access doors
- Basement rim joists
Use silicone caulk for small gaps and expanding foam for larger openings. Even a tiny draft can allow enough cold air to freeze a pipe during extended cold.
3. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
This is non-negotiable and takes just 15 minutes:
- Disconnect all garden hoses – Drain them and store indoors
- Locate the interior shutoff valve for each outdoor faucet (usually in the basement or crawl space)
- Close the valve completely
- Open the outdoor spigot to drain any remaining water
- Leave it open all winter to allow pressure relief
- Install foam insulated covers over each outdoor faucet
Frost-free hose bibs offer some built-in protection, but don’t assume they’re invincible—still disconnect hoses and add covers.
4. Schedule Your Furnace Tune-Up
Your heating system is your home’s first defense against frozen pipes. A furnace that fails during a cold snap puts every pipe at risk. If you haven’t scheduled your fall maintenance yet, do it now. Our furnace tune-up service ensures your heating system won’t let you down when you need it most.
When Cold Snaps Hit: Active Protection
Indiana weather can turn harsh overnight. When forecasts predict sustained temperatures below 20°F, take these immediate steps:
5. Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature
This is critical:
- Never let your thermostat drop below 55°F—even when you’re away
- During cold snaps, maintain 60-68°F
- Don’t program dramatic nighttime setbacks
- If you’ll be away, 55°F is the absolute minimum (60-62°F is safer)
Yes, your heating bill will be a bit higher. But it’s a fraction of what burst pipes will cost you.
6. Open Cabinet Doors
Simple but effective:
- Open vanity cabinets in bathrooms
- Open cabinets under kitchen sinks
- Focus on those against exterior walls
This allows your home’s warm air to circulate around the pipes. It seems too easy to be effective, but it genuinely helps.
7. Let Faucets Drip
When temperatures plunge into the teens or single digits:
- Choose a faucet on an exterior wall (ideally both hot and cold)
- If you have a two-story home, let an upstairs faucet drip too
- A pencil-width stream is sufficient
Moving water is much harder to freeze than still water. The slight trickle also relieves pressure if ice does begin to form.
Tip: Some Indiana utility companies offer billing adjustments for water used to prevent frozen pipes. Call yours to ask.
8. Keep Garage Doors Closed
If you have water lines running through your garage, keep doors closed as much as possible. Your garage won’t be heated, but trapping any ambient heat helps.
9. Maintain Heat in Vulnerable Areas
For especially at-risk areas:
- Use a space heater in crawl spaces (carefully—fire safety first)
- Ensure attic access is closed to retain heat
- Don’t block heating vents with furniture or curtains
10. Know Your Main Shutoff Valve Location
Right now—before any emergency—find your main water shutoff valve. It’s typically located:
- Near your water heater in the basement
- In a crawl space utility area
- Near the water meter
Test it to make sure it turns. Mark it clearly with a tag. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is. In an emergency, you won’t have time to hunt for it.
How to Tell if Your Pipes Are Starting to Freeze
Catching a freezing pipe early—before it bursts—can save you from disaster. Watch for these warning signs during cold weather:
Reduced Water Pressure
You turn on the faucet and only get a trickle. This suggests ice is partially blocking the pipe, restricting water flow. Don’t ignore this. A complete freeze and burst could be hours away.
No Water Flow at All
Turn on multiple faucets. If one won’t flow but others work fine, you’ve got a frozen pipe in the line serving that fixture. If nothing flows anywhere, your main line may be frozen.
Visible Frost on Pipes
If you can see your pipes (basement, crawl space), look for:
- Frost on the outside of the pipe
- Condensation or moisture
- Bulging or deformed pipe sections
These are obvious red flags.
Strange Sounds
Listen for unusual noises when you run water:
- Gurgling
- Banging or knocking
- Hissing
These can indicate ice formation disrupting normal water flow.
Unusual Odors
If your drain pipes freeze, sewage gases might back up into your home, creating foul smells. This requires immediate attention.
Cold Spots Near Plumbing
Touch areas around your plumbing fixtures. If they’re unusually cold—especially on an exterior wall—that’s a warning that pipes in that area are at risk.
EMERGENCY: What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
If you’re reading this during an active emergency—you hear rushing water, see a leak, or know a pipe has burst—follow these steps immediately. Every second counts.
IMMEDIATE STEPS (First 5 Minutes)
Step 1: STAY CALM and Ensure Safety First
Take a breath. Panic makes things worse. Quickly assess:
- Is anyone in immediate danger?
- Is water near electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel?
- Is flooding so severe you need to evacuate?
If water is contacting electricity or flooding is dangerous, get everyone out and call 911, then call a plumber.
Step 2: SHUT OFF THE MAIN WATER SUPPLY
This is your top priority. Every gallon that leaks causes more damage.
- Locate your main water shutoff valve (you found it earlier during prep, right?)
- Turn the valve clockwise until it stops
- If it’s difficult to turn, use a wrench—but don’t force it to the point of breaking
Can’t find the shutoff? If the burst is from a specific fixture, use its individual shutoff valve as a temporary measure while you search for the main.
Step 3: Turn Off Electricity If Water Is Near Electrical Systems
If the leak is anywhere near:
- Electrical outlets
- Light fixtures
- Your electrical panel
- Any appliances
Go to your breaker panel and shut off power to that area. If you’re unsure which circuits to disable, shut off the main breaker.
Never touch electrical switches or appliances with wet hands or while standing in water.
Step 4: Open All Faucets
With the main water shut off:
- Turn on every faucet in your home (both hot and cold)
- Flush toilets multiple times
- Open outdoor spigots
This drains any remaining water from your pipes and relieves pressure throughout the system. Leave the faucets open.
Step 5: CALL ABSOLUTE COMFORT IMMEDIATELY
24/7 Emergency Line: [765-534-4328]
Don’t wait. Don’t try to fix a burst pipe yourself. Burst pipes require:
- Professional assessment of damage
- Proper repair techniques and materials
- Verification that related pipes aren’t also compromised
- Ensuring the repair meets plumbing codes
Our emergency plumbers can be at your Central Indiana home quickly, often within an hour. We’ll stop the leak, assess the damage, and get your water safely restored.
WHILE WAITING FOR YOUR PLUMBER (Next 15-30 Minutes)
Step 6: Locate the Burst Pipe
If safe to do so, try to find where the pipe burst:
- Check your basement, crawl space, or attic
- Look for active water flow, wet spots, or water stains
- Listen for running water sounds inside walls
Knowing the location helps your plumber respond faster. But don’t cut into walls yourself—leave that to the professionals.
Step 7: Document Everything for Insurance
Use your smartphone to take extensive photos and videos of:
- The burst pipe location (if visible)
- Water damage to walls, ceilings, and floors
- Damaged belongings, furniture, and electronics
- Standing water and wet areas
Documentation is crucial for insurance claims. Photograph everything, even items that seem only slightly damaged.
Step 8: Begin Water Removal
The faster you remove standing water, the less damage you’ll have:
- Use buckets, mops, and every towel you own
- A wet-dry vacuum is ideal if you have one
- Soak up puddles immediately
- Move valuable items, furniture, and electronics to dry areas
Don’t use your regular vacuum—water will destroy it. Use a proper wet-dry shop vacuum.
Step 9: Start the Drying Process
As soon as water removal begins:
- Set up fans to circulate air
- Run dehumidifiers if available
- Open windows (only if outdoor humidity is low)
- Pull back wet carpeting if possible
Time is critical. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours in damp conditions. The faster you dry things out, the better.
Step 10: Contact Your Insurance Company
Most insurance companies require notification within 48 hours of a water damage event—some require even faster reporting. Call your insurance company’s claims department and:
- Provide your policy number
- Describe what happened (“burst frozen pipe”)
- Mention it was sudden and accidental
- Ask about next steps
- Keep all receipts for emergency repairs and supplies
Your Absolute Comfort repair invoice will be part of your claim documentation.
What NOT to Do During a Pipe Burst Emergency
Avoid these common mistakes:
- ❌ Don’t use open flames (torch, propane heater) to thaw pipes—extreme fire hazard
- ❌ Don’t delay calling a professional thinking you’ll save money doing it yourself
- ❌ Don’t ignore small leaks hoping they’ll stop—they always get worse
- ❌ Don’t attempt your own repairs—improper repairs can void insurance coverage
- ❌ Don’t turn the water back on until a plumber has assessed and repaired everything
After the Emergency: Preventing Future Frozen Pipe Problems
Once your burst pipe is repaired and your home is drying out, it’s time to think long-term. Recurring frozen pipe issues often indicate underlying problems that emergency repairs don’t solve.
When Repair Isn’t Enough
Consider permanent solutions if you’ve experienced:
- Multiple frozen pipe incidents in the same location
- Recurring issues despite temporary insulation
- Older pipe materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene
- Poor pipe routing through especially cold areas
Permanent Solutions Absolute Comfort Can Provide
Pipe Rerouting
Sometimes the only real fix is moving pipes away from vulnerable locations. We can reroute plumbing:
- Away from exterior walls to interior walls
- Out of unheated crawl spaces
- To areas with better climate control
Professional-Grade Insulation Installation
DIY pipe insulation is good, but professional installation ensures:
- Complete coverage with no gaps
- Proper materials for your specific situation
- Integration with your home’s existing insulation system
Heat Trace Cable Systems
Thermostatically controlled heat cables maintain pipes above freezing. Professional installation includes:
- Cables sized correctly for your pipe diameter
- Automatic temperature sensors
- Proper electrical integration
- Long-term reliability
Pressure Relief Valve Installation
These safety valves allow pressure to release if freezing does occur, dramatically reducing burst risk. They’re an affordable insurance policy against future disasters.
Pipe Material Upgrades
If you have older, vulnerable pipes:
- PEX – Flexible, freeze-resistant, and durable
- Copper – Time-tested reliability with proper insulation
- CPVC – Affordable and resistant to corrosion
Modern materials, properly installed, significantly reduce future risk.
The Value of Professional Plumbing Services
DIY has its place, but comprehensive frozen pipe protection benefits from professional expertise:
- Warranty protection on parts and labor
- Code compliance ensuring safety and insurability
- Comprehensive assessment of your entire plumbing system
- Preventive maintenance that catches small problems before they become emergencies
Think of professional plumbing investment like good car insurance—you hope you never need it, but you’re grateful when you do.
Explore our comprehensive plumbing services to protect your home year-round.
Why Choose Absolute Comfort for Frozen Pipe Emergencies
When your pipe bursts at 2 AM on a Sunday in January, you need a plumbing company you can trust—one that actually answers the phone and gets to your home quickly.
What Sets Absolute Comfort Apart
✓ True 24/7 Emergency Response
We don’t just say we’re available 24/7—we mean it. Our emergency line is answered by real people who can dispatch a licensed plumber to your Central Indiana home, day or night, weekends and holidays. No voicemail. No waiting until Monday morning.
✓ Family-Owned & Central Indiana Based
We’re not a national chain. Absolute Comfort is a family-owned business headquartered right here in Lapel, Indiana. We understand Indiana winters because we live through them with you. We’ve been serving families across Fishers, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, and throughout Central Indiana for years, building our reputation one satisfied customer at a time.
✓ Licensed, Bonded & Insured Technicians
Every plumber who enters your home is:
- Fully licensed by the State of Indiana
- Background-checked for your safety
- Extensively trained in both modern and traditional plumbing
- Experienced specifically with cold-weather plumbing issues
✓ Comprehensive Services Under One Roof
We’re not just emergency plumbers—we’re your complete home comfort partner:
- Emergency burst pipe repair
- Frozen pipe thawing
- Preventive winterization services
- Permanent plumbing solutions
- Heating system service to prevent freezing
- Annual maintenance programs
One call handles everything.
✓ Transparent, Upfront Pricing
The last thing you need during an emergency is surprise charges. We provide clear, upfront pricing before any work begins—even at 3 AM. No hidden fees. No shock when you see the bill.
✓ Serving All of Central Indiana
Our service area includes:
- Indianapolis
- Fishers
- Carmel
- Noblesville
- Westfield
- Lapel
- Geist
- Fortville
- Pendleton
- And surrounding communities throughout Central Indiana
Wherever you are in the greater Indianapolis area, we can reach you quickly.
Don’t Wait for Disaster—Prepare Your Pipes Today
Indiana winters are unpredictable, but frozen pipe disasters don’t have to be. The simple truth is that an hour of preparation in the fall can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and days of stress.
You’ve learned:
- Why Central Indiana’s climate puts your pipes at risk
- Which pipes in your home are most vulnerable
- Exactly what to do before cold weather strikes
- How to recognize early warning signs
- Step-by-step emergency response when a pipe bursts
- Long-term solutions for recurring problems
The question is: what will you do with this knowledge?
Take Action Now
If you’re reading this before winter:
The best time to protect your pipes was last fall. The second-best time is right now.
Schedule a winter plumbing inspection with Absolute Comfort. Our experienced technicians will:
- Assess your home’s vulnerable plumbing
- Identify specific at-risk areas
- Recommend appropriate prevention measures
- Provide clear pricing for any protective work
- Give you peace of mind before the first freeze
[Schedule Your Inspection →]
If you have a frozen or burst pipe RIGHT NOW:
Don’t wait another second.
Call our 24/7 Emergency Line: [765-534-4328]
Our emergency plumbers are standing by to help. We’ll answer immediately, dispatch a licensed professional to your location, and work quickly to stop the damage and restore your water service safely.
You’re Not Alone
We know plumbing emergencies are stressful. That’s why Absolute Comfort has built our business on being the Central Indiana company you can count on when things go wrong—and the company you trust to prevent problems before they happen.
From prevention to emergency repair to permanent solutions, we’ve protected thousands of Central Indiana homes through harsh winters. Whether it’s 70°F and sunny or 7°F and snowing, we’re here to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable all year long.
Questions? Call us at 765-534-4328 or visit absolutecomfort.org to learn more about our comprehensive plumbing and heating services.
Stay warm out there, Central Indiana. And remember: we’re just one call away, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Absolute Comfort | Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Geothermal
Family-Owned & Central Indiana Based
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Serving Fishers, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Lapel & All of Central Indiana