When temperatures drop in North Atlanta, plumbing problems can show up fast—and a burst pipe is one of the most damaging (and expensive) surprises a homeowner can face. The tricky part is that pipes don’t usually burst “because it’s cold” in a simple way. They burst because of what happens inside the pipe when water freezes, expands, and pressure builds.

If you’re in areas like Roswell, Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Johns Creek, or Cumming, understanding the real causes of winter pipe bursts can help you prevent them—and know when it’s time to call for emergency plumbing services. Below is a clear breakdown of what causes pipes to burst in winter, the most common risk factors, and what to do if you suspect freezing or a leak.

The #1 cause: frozen water expands and creates pressure

Water expands when it freezes. Inside a pipe, that expansion creates a blockage of ice. The real danger isn’t just the ice itself—it’s the pressure that builds between the ice blockage and a closed faucet or valve. Here’s what typically happens:

1. A section of pipe gets cold enough for water to freeze
2. Ice forms and restricts flow
3. Pressure rises behind the ice plug
4. The pipe fails at its weakest point (a joint, a corroded area, or a thin section)

Important note: the pipe often bursts not directly where the ice forms, but where pressure finds the weakest spot.

Pipes most likely to burst in winter

Some pipes are simply more exposed than others. In our region, the most commonly affected lines include:

• Exterior walls (especially north-facing walls that get less sun)
• Uninsulated crawlspaces and basements
• Attics (especially above garages)
• Garage supply lines
• Outdoor hose bibs/spigots and the lines feeding them
• Irrigation-related plumbing that wasn’t winterized properly

Even in Georgia, a few nights below freezing can be enough to cause problems if the plumbing is vulnerable.

Common winter burst pipe causes (beyond “it got cold”)

1) Poor insulation (or none at all)

Insulation is one of the simplest preventions, but it’s often missing in:

• Older homes
• Renovations where plumbing was rerouted
• Additions over garages
• Crawlspaces with airflow

Pipe insulation sleeves are cheap compared to water damage restoration.

2) Cold air drafts and air leaks

A pipe can freeze even when the house is heated if cold air is blowing directly on it. Drafts often come from:

• Unsealed crawlspace vents
• Gaps around plumbing penetrations
• Poorly sealed attic access points
• Garage doors that don’t seal well

If a pipe sits in the path of cold airflow, it can freeze quickly.

3) Thermostat setbacks (turning heat down too much)

Lowering the thermostat at night can save money—but in a cold snap, it can also increase risk, especially if plumbing is in exterior walls or unconditioned spaces. If you’re leaving town in winter, don’t shut the heat off. Set it to a safe baseline temperature.

4) Closed interior doors blocking warm air

This one surprises people. Closing doors to rarely used rooms can reduce warm airflow to plumbing in those walls. If a bathroom is on an exterior wall and the door stays shut, the temperature in that space can drop enough to freeze a line.

5) Power outages

A winter storm doesn’t need to be extreme to knock out power. If your heat goes off, pipes can freeze rapidly—especially in crawlspaces, attics, and garages. If you lose power during freezing temps, treat it as a plumbing risk event.

6) Existing pipe weaknesses (corrosion, aging, bad joints)

Cold weather doesn’t “create” corrosion, but it can expose weak points. Pipes that are already compromised are more likely to fail when pressure spikes. Weak points include:

• Corroded galvanized lines
• Old copper with thin spots
• Aging PEX connections
• Poor solder joints
• Previous repair sections

7) Outdoor spigots left connected to hoses

If a hose is attached, water can remain trapped in the line and freeze. That’s why disconnecting hoses and winterizing hose bibs matters—even in milder climates.

Warning signs that a pipe may be frozen (before it bursts)

If you catch freezing early, you can sometimes prevent a burst. Watch for:

• Little to no water flow from a faucet
• Frost on exposed pipes
• Unusual smells from drains (if a line is blocked)
• Bulging in pipe insulation
• Strange noises when turning on taps (whistling, banging)
• Water pressure that suddenly drops

If you suspect a frozen line, it’s smart to act quickly—because once pressure builds, failure can happen suddenly.

What to do if you think a pipe is frozen

If you’re comfortable doing basic steps safely:

1. Turn on the faucet (a small trickle can relieve pressure)
2. Warm the area gently (space heater at a safe distance, warm air from a hair dryer)
3. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
4. Shut off water if you see any leaking or suspect a crack

Avoid open flames or torches. Those can damage pipes and create a fire hazard.
If you can’t locate the frozen section, or if the line is in a wall/ceiling, it’s time to call the professionals at Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC.

What to do if a pipe bursts

A burst pipe is an emergency because water damage spreads fast. Prioritize these steps:

1. Shut off the main water supply immediately
2. Turn off electricity in affected areas if water is near outlets or panels
3. Open faucets to relieve pressure and drain remaining water
4. Call the emergency plumbers at Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC right away
5. Document damage for insurance (photos/video)

Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC provides emergency plumbing services across North Atlanta, with a reputation for being timely, professional, and transparent—which matters a lot when you’re dealing with active water damage.

How a pro finds the real problem (and prevents repeat issues)

Fixing the burst is step one. Step two is preventing it from happening again. You may recommend:

• Replacing the damaged section properly
• Improving insulation and sealing drafts
• Rerouting vulnerable lines (when feasible)
• Checking water pressure and related components

Using video plumbing inspections when drain/sewer issues are also suspected (especially if a freeze event caused backups)
And if the issue involves underground lines or repeated failures, Specialty Plumbing and Drain can also evaluate trenchless plumbing repair and trenchless water line repair options, which can reduce disruption compared to traditional digging in the right situations.

Why homeowners choose Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC

When winter plumbing problems hit, you want someone who can diagnose quickly and explain clearly. Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC is led by an Unrestricted Master Plumber, known for being informative and transparent, and backed by a 5-star Google rating. They also offer advanced solutions like video camera inspections and trenchless services, so you’re not stuck with guesswork or unnecessary demolition.

Need emergency help with a frozen or burst pipe?

If you’re dealing with a frozen line, active leak, or burst pipe, don’t wait. The faster you shut off water and get a professional on-site, the more damage you can prevent.

Call Specialty Plumbing and Drain LLC to schedule service and get fast, reliable help from a team that treats your home with care.