How To Prevent Pipes From Freezing in Lancaster County

Burst Pipes Are the Most Preventable Emergency We See

Burst pipes are the most common water damage emergency call in Lancaster County every winter — and the majority of them are preventable. Lancaster County's freeze-thaw cycling from November through March creates conditions where uninsulated supply lines can freeze and rupture, releasing hundreds of gallons before the homeowner knows anything has failed.

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk

• Supply lines running through exterior walls, particularly north and west-facing exposures
• Pipes in unheated spaces — garages, crawl spaces, unheated basements
• Pipes near exterior doors and windows where cold air infiltrates the wall assembly
• Kitchen and bathroom cabinet supply lines on exterior walls
• Outdoor hose bibs and the supply lines leading to them

Lancaster County's older housing stock — significant portions built before modern insulation standards — contains more uninsulated exterior wall pipe than newer construction. Homes built before 1970 should be specifically evaluated for pipe insulation in these locations.

How Freeze-Thaw Cycling Causes Failures

A pipe does not typically burst at the point where ice forms — it bursts downstream of the blockage, where water pressure builds between the frozen section and a closed fixture. This is why a pipe burst in an exterior wall can result in water releasing at a fixture far from where the freezing occurred.

Lancaster County's freeze-thaw cycling — temperatures dropping below freezing at night and rising above during the day — is more damaging than sustained cold. Each cycle stresses pipe connections incrementally. Pipes that survive a single hard freeze may fail after repeated cycling through the season.

Prevention Steps Before Cold Weather

Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Hose Bibs

Every Lancaster County home with an outdoor hose bib should have an interior shutoff valve. Before the first freeze, shut off the interior valve and open the exterior bib to drain any remaining water. Frost-free hose bibs drain automatically when shut off — verify with a plumber if you're unsure yours works correctly.

Insulate Pipes in Unheated Spaces

Foam pipe wrap is inexpensive and straightforward to install on accessible pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Wrap all supply lines in these spaces — particularly any line within 18 inches of an exterior foundation wall.

Maintain Minimum Heat in All Spaces

When leaving your Lancaster County home unoccupied — even for a weekend during cold weather — keep the thermostat at 55°F minimum. Do not turn the heat off.

Open Cabinet Doors During Cold Snaps

For kitchen and bathroom cabinets on exterior walls, opening the doors during extreme cold allows warm household air to reach the supply lines behind the cabinet. This simple step prevents many freeze events.

If a Pipe Bursts

Shut off the main water supply immediately, cut power to affected circuits if safe, document all damage before touching anything, and call (717) 369-8058. Do not wait to see how bad it is — every hour increases damage and complicates your insurance claim.