Springfield MO winters can drop well below freezing — and frozen pipes are one of the most damaging and preventable plumbing emergencies homeowners face. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home. Here's how to protect your pipes before temperatures drop.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk in Springfield MO Homes?
The pipes most likely to freeze are those exposed to cold air:
•Exterior walls — pipes running through uninsulated exterior walls
•Crawlspaces — pipes under homes with poor insulation
•Garages — especially if you have a laundry connection or utility sink
•Attics — pipes in unheated attic spaces
•Outdoor hose bibs — these must be winterized every year
Pipes in heated interior spaces rarely freeze unless heat is lost (power outage, thermostat failure).
7 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Springfield MO
1. Insulate exposed pipes
Pipe insulation foam is inexpensive and available at any hardware store. Wrap all pipes in unheated areas.
2. Disconnect garden hoses before first freeze
Leaving a hose connected traps water in the bib and causes it to freeze and crack.
3. Shut off and drain outdoor hose bibs
Turn off the interior shutoff valve for outdoor spigots, then open the outdoor bib to drain remaining water.
4. Keep your thermostat at 55°F minimum
Even when away or on vacation — never let your home drop below 55°F.
5. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
This lets heated air reach pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
6. Let faucets drip during extreme cold
A slow drip keeps water moving, which significantly reduces freeze risk.
7. Know where your main shutoff is
If a pipe does freeze and burst, you need to shut off water immediately. Find your shutoff valve before an emergency happens.
What to Do If Your Pipes Are Already Frozen
If you turn on a faucet and get little or no water in freezing weather, you likely have a frozen pipe.
Do:
•Leave the faucet open (as the pipe thaws, flowing water helps)
•Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, working from the faucet toward the frozen section
•Use heating tape on pipes prone to freezing
Do NOT:
•Use an open flame or propane torch (extreme fire risk)
•Use a heat gun at high settings
•Ignore it — frozen pipes frequently burst when they thaw
If you can't locate the frozen section or the pipe has already burst, call an emergency plumber in Springfield MO immediately.
