Freeze & Flood Protection · Des Moines, IA
Freeze & Flood Protection in Des Moines, IA
Frozen and burst pipes, sump pumps and basement water. If a pipe freezes in your Des Moines home, shut off the main before it thaws and warm the pipe gently, never with an open flame. 72% of homes in the ZIP codes we cover were built before 1980, when pipes were more often run through exterior walls and uninsulated crawl spaces.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 6 ZIP codes covered
- Quote before work
Where pipes freeze in Des Moines
Iowa has long, hard winters. Pre-1980 housing here is 72%, above the Iowa figure of 62%. That ranks 1st highest of the 11 Iowa cities we profile. Older homes are more likely to have supply lines in exterior walls, crawl spaces and unheated garages.
62% of homes are detached houses, which have more exterior wall and crawl-space plumbing exposed to cold than apartments do.
In Iowa: Deep frost and long winters make frozen pipes and freeze-proof hydrants a recurring issue.
After a burst
After a burst, the plumber cuts out the split section, checks nearby pipe and can reroute lines that keep freezing.
Freeze & Flood Protection services in Des Moines
Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair, Sump Pump Installation & Replacement, Pinhole Leak Repair, Whole-House Repiping.
Des Moines figures behind this page
- Winters
- Long, hard winters
- Built before 1980
- 72%
- Single-family detached
- 62%
What to do first
- Shut off the main and open faucets to drain the system
- Thaw an exposed, intact pipe with a hair dryer, working from the faucet back
- Open sink cabinets and let faucets drip on the coldest nights
What affects the price
- Where the break is (open basement vs. inside a finished wall or ceiling)
- Number of breaks
- Pipe material
- Rerouting or insulating to prevent a repeat
The plumber quotes on site, before any work starts.
How the job works
Every freeze & flood protection service is explained on our Freeze & Flood Protection page. For the rest of Des Moines's plumbing picture, see plumbers in Des Moines and sewer line repair in Des Moines.
Freeze & Flood Protection in Des Moines: FAQ
What should I do before leaving my Des Moines home in winter?
Keep the heat at 55 °F or higher, open sink cabinets on exterior walls, disconnect hoses, and for a long trip shut off the main and drain the lines.
Figures are US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-year estimates for the ZIP code areas we cover in Des Moines; state comparisons use the Iowa statewide estimate.
Related services
Need freeze & flood protection in Des Moines?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.