A frozen pipe can turn a quiet winter evening into a costly emergency. When water freezes, it expands, and the pressure can split copper, crack PVC, or rupture fittings. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour, causing thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, and personal belongings. In Pittsburgh, where temperatures regularly drop into the teens and single digits between December and February, renters need to know how to protect themselves and their belongings.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk
Not all pipes face the same threat. The most vulnerable are those in unheated or poorly insulated areas.
- Pipes in exterior walls, especially on the north side of the building
- Supply lines in unheated basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages
- Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler supply lines
- Kitchen and bathroom pipes on exterior walls, particularly under sinks
- Pipes running through uninsulated attic spaces
In older Pittsburgh buildings, these vulnerabilities are often more pronounced due to less insulation and older plumbing materials.
Prevention Steps to Take Now
Keep the Heat On
Even when you are away, keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not turn off the heat to save money. The small savings on your heating bill will not come close to covering the cost of water damage from a burst pipe. If you have a smart thermostat, set up temperature alerts so you know if the heat fails while you are out.
Let Faucets Drip
Running water is much harder to freeze than standing water. During extreme cold snaps (when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit), let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Open both the hot and cold handles slightly. Focus on faucets connected to pipes along exterior walls. A slow, steady drip keeps water moving and reduces pressure buildup inside the pipes.
Refer a tenant, get $100
Know someone looking for a house or apartment for rent in Pittsburgh? If they sign a lease with us, we pay you $100.
Open Cabinet Doors
For pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls, open the cabinet doors to let warm room air circulate around the pipes. This is especially important in kitchens where the sink is located under a window. Move any harmful cleaning supplies out of reach if you have children or pets.
Keep Garage Doors Closed
If your unit has a garage, keep the garage door closed, especially if water lines run through that space.
Know Where the Shut-Off Valve Is
Before an emergency happens, locate your apartment’s main water shut-off valve. In a multi-unit building, this may be in the basement or a utility closet. Ask your landlord or property manager to show you where it is. Quick action to shut off the water can limit damage if a pipe bursts.
Seal Drafts
Check for gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and other openings. Cold air entering through drafts can lower indoor temperatures enough to freeze a pipe. Use weather stripping or draft stoppers to seal these gaps.
When You Are Out of Town
If you are traveling during the winter, take extra precautions:
- Keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees. Do not turn it off.
- Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your apartment regularly.
- Leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe.
- Keep the faucet open. As the frozen area begins to melt, water will flow, which helps melt the remaining ice.
- Locate the frozen section. Look for the section of pipe that is frosted or bulging.
- Apply gentle heat. Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or portable space heater to warm the pipe.
- Do not use an open flame. Never use a propane torch or other open flame to thaw a pipe. This is a serious fire hazard and can damage the pipe.
- Call a plumber. If you cannot locate the frozen section, if the pipe is inside a wall, or if you see signs of cracking or leaking, call a professional plumber immediately.
Your Responsibility as a Renter
While your landlord is responsible for maintaining the building’s heating system and insulation, you have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent frozen pipes. Many leases include language requiring tenants to maintain a minimum temperature during winter months.
If a pipe bursts in your unit and you failed to take reasonable precautions, you may be held liable for damage to your own belongings and, in some cases, for damage to other units or the building. Renters insurance typically covers your personal property, but not structural damage. Contact your landlord or property manager immediately if you notice any issues, such as low water pressure or a furnace malfunction.
Renting in the Pittsburgh area?
Ultrarix Capital Partners manages houses and apartments for rent across the Greater Pittsburgh area. Browse what is available now, or learn more about renting with us.
Browse available rentalsHouses and apartments for rent in Pittsburgh
Common questions about renting in Pittsburgh
How do I find houses and apartments for rent in Pittsburgh?
Start on our available rentals page, or see an overview of houses and apartments for rent in Pittsburgh. Tell us your budget and preferred neighborhoods and we will match you with homes that fit.
Which areas around Pittsburgh do you serve?
We cover the Greater Pittsburgh area, including city neighborhoods and nearby communities like Bellevue, McKees Rocks, Penn Hills, and Verona. The full list is on our homepage.
How do I apply for a rental?
Find a home you like on the rentals page and submit an application with your details, income, and rental history. We review it quickly and follow up with next steps.
Are utilities included?
We typically do not include utilities. For most rentals, electric, gas, water, and trash are the tenant's responsibility. Each listing notes anything that is included.
Do you allow pets?
Pet policies vary by property. Some rentals allow pets, sometimes with a deposit or monthly pet rent. Check the listing or ask us about a specific home.
Can I refer someone and get paid?
Yes. If you refer a tenant who signs a lease with us, we pay you $100. See our referral page for details.
How do I contact Ultrarix Capital Partners?
Call +1-650-254-6706 or email [email protected]. We are a Pittsburgh based property management company at 725 School St, McKees Rocks, PA 15136.