Burst Pipe Cleanup in Rhode Island

Where do pipes typically freeze?

The American Red Cross lists pipes in unheated interior areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages and kitchen cabinets, and pipes along poorly insulated exterior walls, as the most vulnerable. (American Red Cross)

What does the American Red Cross say about preventing burst pipes?

• Letting cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes, because running water helps prevent freezing. (American Red Cross)
• Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warmer air reaches plumbing. (American Red Cross)
• Keeping the thermostat at the same temperature day and night, and at no lower than 55°F when away. (American Red Cross)

How does burst pipe cleanup in Rhode Island work?

A plumber repairs or replaces the damaged section. A water damage company extracts water, removes saturated materials if needed, and dries the structure. Some restoration companies coordinate with plumbers.

How do insurers treat burst pipes?

Triple-I lists accidental discharge or overflow of water from plumbing, heating or air-conditioning systems among perils covered by standard homeowners forms. It also says damage from lack of maintenance isn’t covered. (Triple-I) The Rhode Island insurance FAQ has more.

How many freezing nights does Rhode Island get?

NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals for T.F. Green Airport in Warwick count about 109 nights a year when the low reaches 32°F or below, and about 20 days a year when the temperature never rises above freezing. January averages a low of 22.1°F. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals via RIDEM)

Averages for one station. Conditions in other towns differ; see the Rhode Island flood and water damage risk by town guide for local flood history.

What should you do the moment a pipe bursts?

• Turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, then call a plumber. (American Red Cross)
• If the valve won’t stop the flow, the water utility may need to shut water off at the street. Providence Water’s general manager described exactly that situation during the February 2023 cold snap. (WJAR, Feb. 2023)
• Before anything is thrown away, photograph wet areas and damaged items. The Rhode Island insurance FAQ covers documenting a claim.

How do you thaw a frozen pipe safely?

The American Red Cross says to suspect a frozen pipe when only a trickle comes out of a faucet. Its guidance: (American Red Cross)

• Keep the faucet open, because running water helps melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, space heater kept away from flammable materials, or towels soaked in hot water.
• Never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or any open flame.
• Keep applying heat until full water pressure returns, then check other faucets for more frozen pipes.
• Call a licensed plumber if you can’t find the frozen section, can’t reach it, or can’t thaw it.

How common are water and freezing claims?

Triple-I reports that about one in 60 insured homes has a water damage or freezing claim each year. For 2019–2023 the average water damage and freezing claim was $15,400, and the category made up 22.6% of homeowners claims in 2023. (Triple-I)

Triple-I also suggests keeping a home heated to at least 65°F so pipes inside walls don’t freeze, and letting hot and cold faucets drip. (Triple-I)

Water coming through the ceiling instead?

Leaks at the top of exterior walls after snow often come from the roof edge, not a pipe. See ice dam roof leaks in Rhode Island.

Burst Pipe Cleanup questions

Burst Pipe Cleanup by town

• Westerly
• Charlestown
• South Kingstown
• Narragansett
• North Kingstown
• Exeter
• Hopkinton
• Block Island
• Barrington
• Bristol
• Warren
• Warwick
• West Warwick
• Coventry
• East Greenwich
• Cranston
• Providence
• Newport
• Johnston
• Pawtucket
• East Providence
• Middletown
• Portsmouth
• Jamestown
• Richmond
• Woonsocket
• Lincoln
• All 39 Rhode Island towns

Other service guides: Ice Dam Roof Leaks, Water Damage Restoration, Flooded Basement Cleanup, Mold Inspection & Removal, Storm Damage Cleanup, Sewage Backup Cleanup. RI Water Damage Help home.