Winter Storm: Frozen Pipes and Mold

A massive winter storm is currently sweeping across the United States, putting over 205 million Americans under winter weather alerts. With more than 30 states declaring states of emergency and temperatures plunging well below freezing from Texas to Maine, the risk of frozen and burst pipes has never been higher. What many homeowners do not realize is that the water damage from burst pipes can lead to dangerous mold growth within just 24 to 48 hours.

This is not just a Texas problem or a Southern states issue. The National Weather Service has issued warnings spanning a nearly 2,000-mile stretch, the highest number of counties under winter storm warning ever recorded. Whether you are in Kansas dealing with heavy snow, Georgia bracing for ice, or Pennsylvania preparing for both, the threat to your pipes and your home is real.

The Scope of This Winter Storm

Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring up to 25 inches of snow in some areas of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. Meanwhile, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas face up to an inch of ice or two inches of sleet. Temperatures in parts of Maine could drop as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

States that have declared emergencies include:

Texas (134 counties under disaster declaration)
Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky
Georgia (500 National Guardsmen mobilized)
North Carolina and South Carolina
Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York
Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma
Washington, D.C.

With over 2,400 flights canceled on January 24th alone and tens of thousands already without power in New Mexico and Texas, this storm demands serious preparation.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Mold Emergency

When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside your pipes can turn to ice and expand. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on both plastic and copper pipes, causing them to crack or burst. According to AAA, even a one-eighth-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water per day, causing flooding, structural damage, and creating perfect conditions for mold growth.

The statistics are sobering. From 2024 through June 2025, more than 20,000 insurance claims were filed for frozen pipe damage, totaling over $628 million in paid losses. The average claim exceeded $30,000. The states with the highest claim costs were Illinois, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Tennessee.

But the financial damage is only part of the story. Water from burst pipes soaks into drywall, carpeting, wood framing, and insulation. These porous materials absorb moisture like a sponge and provide the perfect organic food source for mold spores. In the presence of this moisture, mold can begin forming within 24 to 48 hours.

The Critical 48-Hour Window

Here is the timeline you are working against after water damage from a burst pipe:

0-24 hours: Mold spores begin attaching to damp surfaces. Materials start absorbing water. No visible growth yet, but the clock is ticking.
24-48 hours: Spores germinate and begin producing thread-like structures called hyphae that penetrate materials. This is your critical intervention window.
48-72 hours: Visible mold growth often appears. Musty odors may develop. Materials may already be compromised beyond cleaning.
3-12 days: Mold colonies continue spreading. Spores release into the air, potentially causing respiratory issues and spreading to other areas.
1-2 weeks: A small mold patch can spread significantly and release thousands of new spores. Professional remediation becomes increasingly necessary.

The simplest rule to remember: dry everything completely within 48 hours. That is your window of control.

Before the Freeze: Prevention Steps to Take Now

If you still have time before temperatures drop in your area, these steps can prevent pipe bursts entirely:

Know Your Shutoff Valve

Locate your main water shutoff valve now, before an emergency. If a pipe bursts, you need to stop the water flow immediately. Most shutoff valves are located near where the main water line enters your home, often in the basement, crawlspace, or utility area.

Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Pipes in unheated areas are most at risk. This includes pipes in garages, attics, crawlspaces, and along exterior walls. Pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and available at any hardware store. Even wrapping pipes with towels or newspaper provides some protection in an emergency.

Keep Heat Circulating

Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you leave home. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to reach pipes along exterior walls. If you have rooms that tend to be colder, consider using a space heater temporarily.

The Drip Debate

Many experts recommend keeping faucets at a slight drip during extreme cold, as moving water is less likely to freeze. However, some municipalities, including Houston, have asked residents not to drip faucets to prevent stress on water infrastructure that could lead to boil notices. Check local guidance for your area.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses. Shut off interior valves that supply outdoor faucets if possible. Water left in hoses can freeze back into the pipe and cause interior damage.

During the Storm: Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes

Watch for these indicators that your pipes may be freezing:

Reduced water pressure or no water flow from faucets
Frost visible on exposed pipes
Strange smells coming from drains (sewage odors can indicate frozen drain lines)
Unusual sounds like clanking or gurgling when running water
Bulging or cracked visible pipes

After a Pipe Bursts: Emergency Response Protocol

Plumbers warn that the biggest problems often do not appear until temperatures warm up and pipes begin to thaw. You may not even realize a pipe has burst until the ice plug melts and water starts flowing. Here is what to do immediately:

Step 1: Stop the Water

Shut off the main water valve immediately. Every minute of delay means more water damage and a higher mold risk. If you cannot find or access the shutoff valve, call your water utility for emergency assistance.

Step 2: Document Everything

Before cleaning up, document the damage thoroughly with photos and video. This documentation is critical for insurance claims. Most policies require you to report water damage within 48 hours, and detailed evidence of the damage helps ensure your claim is approved.

Step 3: Remove Standing Water

Use mops, towels, and a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much standing water as possible. Move furniture and belongings away from wet areas. The longer water sits, the deeper it penetrates into flooring and walls.

Step 4: Start Drying Immediately

Run dehumidifiers and fans to circulate air and pull moisture from the environment. Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent during the drying process. Open windows if outdoor temperatures allow. Every hour counts in the race against mold.

Step 5: Remove Saturated Materials

Porous materials that have been wet for more than 24 to 48 hours often cannot be adequately dried and should be removed. This includes wet carpet and padding, saturated drywall, and soaked insulation. It is better to replace these materials than to risk hidden mold growth inside walls or under flooring.

When to Call Professionals

Not every burst pipe situation can be handled with DIY efforts. Call professional water damage restoration if:

Water has been standing for more than 24 hours
Large areas are affected (more than 10 square feet of wet material)
Water has entered wall cavities, ceilings, or HVAC systems
You see any visible mold growth
Sewage backup is involved (contaminated water requires specialized handling)
You smell musty odors even after drying efforts

Professional restoration companies have industrial-grade equipment including commercial dehumidifiers, air movers, moisture meters, and thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture. They can also document the damage properly for insurance purposes.

If mold has already started growing, you may need a mold remediation specialist rather than just water damage restoration. These are often different services with different certifications and equipment.

Special Considerations for Renters

If you rent your home or apartment, you still need to act fast when a pipe bursts, but you also need to document everything and notify your landlord immediately. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the plumbing and for addressing water damage and any resulting mold.

Key steps for renters:

Notify your landlord in writing (text or email creates a record) as soon as damage occurs
Document everything with photos and video before any cleanup
Follow up in writing if your landlord does not respond within 24 hours during an emergency
Keep copies of all communication
Know your state laws regarding landlord responsibilities for water damage and mold

If mold develops due to your landlord failing to address water damage promptly, you may have legal recourse. Document the timeline carefully.

Areas Most Vulnerable to Mold After Pipe Bursts

Certain areas of your home are particularly vulnerable to mold growth after water damage from burst pipes:

Basements and crawlspaces: Already prone to moisture issues, these areas can quickly develop mold if water accumulates.
Behind walls: Water travels along pipes inside wall cavities. Mold can grow unseen for weeks.
Under flooring: Water seeps beneath hardwood, laminate, and carpet, creating hidden moisture pockets.
Kitchen cabinets: Pipes under sinks are common burst points, and the enclosed cabinet space traps moisture.
Bathroom vanities and walls: Similar to kitchens, enclosed spaces around bathroom plumbing are high-risk.
Attics: Pipes running through uninsulated attic spaces are vulnerable to freezing and often go unnoticed when they burst.

Health Risks from Post-Flood Mold

Mold that develops after water damage poses real health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Exposure to mold can cause:

Respiratory symptoms including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
Allergic reactions including sneezing, runny nose, and skin rashes
Asthma attacks in people with existing asthma
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
More severe reactions in immunocompromised individuals, elderly people, infants, and those with chronic respiratory conditions

If you or family members experience new or worsening respiratory symptoms after water damage, consider having your home tested for mold and consult a healthcare provider.

Prepare Now, Prevent Later

This winter storm will pass, but the damage from burst pipes can linger for months or even years if mold takes hold. The key takeaways:

Know where your water shutoff valve is located before you need it.
Act within 48 hours of any water damage to prevent mold.
Document everything for insurance purposes.
When in doubt, call professionals. Mold remediation costs far exceed prevention costs.
If you rent, notify your landlord immediately and in writing.

Stay safe during Winter Storm Fern, and remember that protecting your home from water damage is protecting your family from the health risks of mold. For more resources on mold prevention and response, explore our comprehensive guides on prevention strategies and what to do after a water emergency.

If you are unsure whether your water damage situation requires professional help, take our DIY vs. Professional assessment to get personalized guidance.