Exposed pipes: freezing, leaks and upkeep

Exposed pipe runs are the water lines you can see or reach: under sinks, in crawlspaces, garages and along exterior walls. They carry water under pressure, so the usual trouble is cold weather or a small leak. A pipe that has frozen can often be thawed with gentle heat, and one that is burst or leaking starts with shutting off the main water valve.

Common problems
How long it should last

Typical lifespan: varies a lot with the pipe material and your water; a well-kept run can last for decades

Signs it is near the end:

  • Green, white or rusty crust builds up on the pipe or its joints.
  • Pinhole leaks keep appearing in different spots.
  • Water comes out discolored or with weak pressure.
  • Stains return after a repair.
Basic upkeep
  • Know where the main water shutoff is, and check that it turns before winter.
  • Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher in winter, even when away.
  • Let faucets drip in a hard freeze, and open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls.
  • Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages and exterior walls, or use heat tape.
  • Look along exposed runs once a season for damp spots, stains or corrosion.
Common fixes

  • Furnace won't heat?

    FurnaceFall

    The furnace runs but the house stays cold, which is usually a clogged filter, a thermostat setting, or an ignition fault.

  • Heat pump not heating?

    Heat pumpFall

    The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.

  • Washer won't drain?

    Washer

    Water is left in the drum after the cycle, which is usually a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose.

  • Fridge not cooling?

    Fridge

    The fridge section is warm or warming. The cause depends on whether the freezer is still cold, and the first fix is often free.

  • Washer won't spin?

    Washer

    The drum fills and washes but won't spin, which is usually an unbalanced load, the lid switch, or a drain problem.

Sharpen the read

Diagnose your pipes in seconds, for free

No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.

Snap one of these:

  • the pipe where it's frozen or leaking, close up
  • where the pipe runs (wall, crawlspace, under the sink)
  • your main water shutoff valve

Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.

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