Which Pipes Are Most Likely to Freeze in Winter?

Not all pipes in your home are equally vulnerable to freezing. Every winter, certain types of pipes are more likely to burst — and knowing which ones are at risk can save you thousands in damages. But how do you identify the most vulnerable areas? And more importantly, how do leak detection and smart water shutoff technology help protect them?

Here’s a breakdown of the pipes most likely to freeze, why they fail, and how StreamLabs® products can keep you protected.

Pipes Most at Risk in Winter

1. Exposed Outdoor Pipes
• Hose bibs, sprinkler lines, and pool supply lines are the first to freeze.
• These pipes have no insulation and are directly exposed to the elements.
2. Uninsulated Attic and Basement Pipes
• Cold air seeps into unheated spaces, making these pipes highly vulnerable.
• Basement flooding is one of the most common winter water damage claims.
3. Garage and Crawl Space Pipes
• Thin walls and limited heating make garages and crawl spaces prime freezing zones.
4. Pipes Along Exterior Walls
• Even inside the home, pipes running against poorly insulated walls can freeze.

Why Frozen Pipes Burst

When water freezes inside the pipe, pressure builds between the ice blockage and the faucet. Eventually, the pipe cracks under the stress. Once the ice melts, gallons of water rush out.

Even a small crack can cause catastrophic flooding — which is why burst pipe protection is essential.

How Leak Detection Identifies Risks

A StreamLabs® Smart Leak Detector helps homeowners monitor these high-risk pipes by:

• Tracking temperature and humidity near vulnerable areas.
• Sending alerts when conditions approach freezing.
• Detecting early drips and leaks before they escalate into full bursts.

Adding Smart Water Shutoff for Complete Protection

While knowing which pipes are vulnerable is helpful, monitoring alone isn’t enough. Pairing leak detection with the StreamLabs® Control Smart Water Shutoff ensures that if a pipe bursts:

• The valve shuts off water supply automatically.
• Flooding is stopped at the source.
• Homeowners avoid thousands in damages.

The Bottom Line

The pipes most likely to freeze are those in exposed, uninsulated, or poorly heated areas. But no matter where the pipe is located, the real question is: Are you protected?

With StreamLabs® leak detection and smart water shutoff technology, you can stay ahead of frozen pipe risks, ensuring your home is safe all winter long.