Do you offer 24 hour emergency plumbing in Roanoke VA?

Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins and nearby communities.

How much does an emergency plumber cost in Roanoke?

Pricing depends on the plumbing issue, required repairs and time of service. Call 540-334-5395 for assistance.

Can you fix a burst pipe?

Yes. We repair burst pipes, leaks, damaged plumbing lines and provide emergency pipe replacement services.

Do you repair water heaters?

Yes. We repair and install traditional and tankless water heaters.

Do you provide drain cleaning services?

Yes. We clear clogged drains, sinks, showers, toilets and sewer lines.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, Bonsack, Roanoke County and surrounding Virginia communities.

Plumbing Guide

5 Common Causes of Burst Pipes in Winter (And How to Prevent Them)

Layman's Contracting Expert - Emergency Plumber Roanoke

Layman's Contracting Local Experts

Serving Roanoke & Southwest VA Since 1995

Winter in Roanoke and the surrounding Blue Ridge area can be unpredictable and harsh. When temperatures plummet below freezing, homes in Roanoke, Wirtz, Franklin County, and Bedford County face one of the most destructive—and expensive—plumbing emergencies: burst pipes.

Water expands as it freezes. When this happens inside your plumbing, the pressure can build up to over 2,000 pounds per square inch, easily rupturing copper, PVC, and PEX pipes. As a family-owned business with decades of experience handling local plumbing crises, we've seen firsthand the devastation this can cause.

To help protect your home, we've outlined the top five causes of burst pipes during our Southwest Virginia winters, along with actionable steps you can take to prevent them.

1. Uninsulated Pipes in Unheated Areas

In many older Roanoke homes, pipes running through crawlspaces, unheated basements, attics, and exterior walls lack proper insulation. These exposed pipes are highly vulnerable to freezing when the temperature drops.

Prevention Tip: Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or fiberglass sleeves. Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls or in poorly insulated crawlspaces.

2. Sudden, Extreme Temperature Drops

Our mountain climate frequently experiences sudden cold snaps where temperatures drop rapidly overnight. If the water inside your pipes isn't moving, it can freeze quickly under these conditions.

Prevention Tip: During a deep freeze, allow a slow drip of cold water from faucets served by exposed pipes. Moving water is much less likely to freeze, and the open faucet relieves pressure if freezing does occur.

3. Drafts and Poor Air Sealing

Even a small crack in your foundation, siding, or around windows near plumbing lines can let in freezing air. This concentrated cold draft acts like a freezer on your pipes, causing localized freezing and bursts.

Prevention Tip: Inspect your home's exterior for cracks and gaps. Seal them with caulking or expanding foam to keep freezing air out of your crawlspace and wall cavities.

4. Disconnected or Leaking Garden Hoses

Leaving a garden hose connected to an outdoor spigot during winter is a common mistake. Water inside the hose freezes, expanding backward into the spigot and the pipe inside your home, causing it to burst within the wall.

Prevention Tip: Disconnect, drain, and store all garden hoses before the first freeze. If you don't have frost-proof spigots, shut off the interior valve supplying the outdoor faucets and drain the line.

5. Keeping the Thermostat Too Low

When leaving town for a winter vacation, it's tempting to turn the heat off to save money. However, if the interior temperature drops too low, the heat won't reach pipes hidden in walls and floors.

Prevention Tip: Never set your thermostat lower than 55°F (12°C) during the winter, even when you aren't home. Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.

What to Do If a Pipe Bursts

If you experience a burst pipe, time is of the essence. Immediately locate and shut off your main water valve to prevent further flooding. Then, call a licensed emergency plumber.

Need an Emergency Plumber in Roanoke?

Our local experts at Layman's Contracting are available 24/7 to repair burst pipes and restore your home's safety.