The common view if ice growth simply pushing against pipe walls is not correct. Pipe bursting occurs when:

• Freezing temperatures create ice blockages in water pipes, then,
• Further ice growth applies dangerously high pressures to a confined water volume.

A basic understanding and awareness of the pipe freezing process are essential. Homeowners should be alert to where pipes run to reach their outlets, particularly the vulnerable pipes passing through unheated spaces. Here are some recommendations for protecting pipes in your home:

• Let the faucet drip – Hot and cold water are brought to fixtures in separate lines. Homeowners who let the faucet drip should be advised to keep the faucet in the slightly open position, even if the ice blockage causes the dripping to slow down or stop.
• Pipe insulation – emphasis should be placed on careful installation to avoid gaps.
• Heat tapes – use a high quality heating cable with heavy wire insulation and a built-in thermostat and follow the manufacturers’ instructions. This will not work in case of a power outage.
• Shutting down the water system – care should be taken not to turn down the thermostat too far. Otherwise the homeowner should shut down the water system in winter. A main shut-off valve is usually found where the water first enters the home. Shutting off the valve and opening the various outlets will drain most of the water out of the system and introduce large quantities of air. The valves can remain open and the possibility of burst pipes eliminated. One does not have to leave home to take advantage of this procedure, which can protect a home from severe overnight lows until morning.