Preventing Winter Water Damage: How to Protect Your Pipes and Property

Barrett Dick • December 31, 2025

Even in the Gulf Coast’s mild winters, a sudden freeze can wreak havoc on your property. When temperatures plunge, frozen pipes can burst and cause thousands of dollars in damage within minutes.


One of the most common winter problems is burst pipes. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipes that contain it. Even a small amount of expanding ice can cause a pipe to crack or burst, releasing gallons of water and creating thousands of dollars in damage.


According to Consumer Reports, burst pipes are one of the leading causes of property damage during frigid weather, often resulting in repairs that cost $5,000 or more. For property owners across the region, preparation is the key to avoiding unexpected water damage when temperatures drop.


How Freezing Temperatures Cause Burst Pipes and Water Damage

When water freezes inside a pipe, the expanding ice has nowhere to go, forcing pressure outward. Pipes located in unheated or exposed areas such as attics, basements, garages, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable. Once the pipe bursts and temperatures rise again, melting ice releases water that can quickly flood surrounding areas.


These leaks often go unnoticed until the damage becomes severe, causing water to soak floors, walls, and insulation. The longer the water remains, the more likely it is to weaken structural materials or lead to mold growth.


How to Prevent Frozen Pipes and Winter Water Damage

Taking a few preventive steps before a freeze can significantly reduce the risk of burst pipes and water damage:


  • Keep the thermostat set to at least 55°F day and night to maintain steady warmth throughout the property.
  • Let faucets drip slowly during the coldest days and nights so water continues to move through the pipes.
  • Seal gaps around doors and windows to block cold air from reaching exposed plumbing.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to let warm air circulate around pipes.
  • Watch for warning signs such as frost on pipes or reduced water flow, which may indicate freezing.
  • Close garage doors to protect plumbing in connected areas.


What to Do When a Pipe Bursts in Cold Weather

Even with preparation, extreme conditions can still lead to pipe damage. If a burst occurs, prompt action can significantly reduce the impact.


  • Shut off the main water supply immediately.
  • Move valuable items away from affected areas.
  • Call a professional restoration company to handle water extraction and drying.


Guarantee Restoration Services responds 24/7 to limit water damage and prevent additional issues such as mold or structural weakening. Our team is experienced in handling freeze-related water damage across the Gulf Coast, including large-scale events like the 2021 Hard Freeze.


The Professional Drying Process for Water Damage Restoration

After a water event, proper drying is essential to prevent lingering moisture and future damage. Guarantee Restoration Services follows a proven process known as the “drying pie,” which includes:


  • Extraction: Removing standing water with commercial-grade pumps and vacuums.
  • Evaporation: Using air movers to draw moisture from surfaces.
  • Dehumidification: Controlling humidity levels to speed up drying.
  • Temperature Control: Maintaining consistent warmth to enhance the process and prevent refreezing.


Each step works together to ensure that your property is fully dried, sanitized, and ready for repair or restoration.


Water Damage Restoration and Prevention Along the Gulf Coast

Even in southern climates, winter weather can bring sudden cold snaps that catch property owners off guard. Taking steps to winterize your pipes and knowing who to call in an emergency can help you avoid costly repairs and extended downtime.


Guarantee Restoration Services is prepared to respond promptly when freezing temperatures result in water damage. With locations across the Gulf Coast and a team equipped for large and small losses, we’re ready to act quickly and provide the support you need when cold weather hits.



Need assistance right away? Guarantee Restoration Services is available 24/7 to handle frozen pipe and water damage emergencies across the Gulf Coast.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country BATON ROUGE, La. – June 16, 2026 – Guarantee Restoration Services (GRS), a leading full-service restoration contractor serving the Gulf Coast since 1974, is proud to announce the implementation of its new National Sales Team. This strategic initiative marks an exciting step forward in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients and partners on a broader scale. The newly established team will be led by Barrett Dick, Director of National Sales, alongside Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing. Together, they have played a pivotal role in growing GRS relationships across multiple industries throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond for over a decade. The team also includes newly hired account executives, David Stern and Chad Catalano. “Over the years, we have seen our partnerships and opportunities continue to grow beyond our traditional footprint,” said Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Guarantee Restoration Services. “Creating a dedicated National Sales Team allows us to strengthen those relationships, support our partners on a larger scale, and continue expanding the reach of the GRS brand, while staying true to the service and responsiveness we are known for.” Dick, who will celebrate 10 years with GRS next month, brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to the role. He holds multiple Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) credentials, including Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), and Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT). After graduating from Louisiana State University, Barrett began his professional career with Marucci Sports before joining Guarantee Restoration Services in July 2016. Just weeks into his time with the company, the historic Great Flood of 2016 impacted Southeastern Louisiana, providing him with firsthand experience managing large-scale losses and coordinating restoration efforts for major school districts and commercial clients. Since then, he has helped cultivate business development efforts throughout Louisiana and nationally, working closely with partners in hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. “Our focus has always been relationship-driven,” said Dick. “We want our clients and partners to know they have a team they can rely on before, during, and after a disaster. This National Sales Team is another way we are investing in those relationships and positioning Guarantee to better serve organizations wherever they need us.” As part of the expansion, GRS hired David Stern as a National Sales Account Executive. Stern brings more than a decade of high-level sales and relationship management experience from the professional sports industry. Prior to joining our team, he served with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organization, where he consistently ranked among the organization’s top sales representatives and generated more than $38 million in multiyear contracts throughout his career. “David’s experience of building relationships, managing high-profile partnerships, and delivering exceptional client service makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” added Klein. “His background and skillset align perfectly with the direction we are heading as a company.” The National Sales Team also includes Chad Catalano, who joined Guarantee Restoration Services in January 2026. Catalano brings nearly two decades of restoration industry experience, with a strong background in sales leadership, project coordination, and relationship development throughout the Southeast and Gulf South regions. Prior to joining GRS, Catalano served as National Sales Manager for ServiceMaster DSI and spent more than 16 years with US Restoration as a Sales and Project Coordinator. Throughout his career, he has built long-standing partnerships while helping clients navigate complex restoration and recovery projects. In addition to his restoration industry experience, Catalano also spent several years as a successful high school baseball coach in the New Orleans area, earning multiple district championships and Coach of the Year honors. His leadership, communication skills, and client-focused approach make him a valuable addition to the growing national team. Guarantee Restoration Services continues to serve clients across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with six locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama. With the implementation of its National Sales Team, GRS is further expanding its ability to support partners across the country through large-loss response, catastrophe recovery, and national account relationships. The company specializes in water, fire, mold, storm, and biohazard restoration, as well as reconstruction and pre-loss planning services. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit www.GuaranteeRestoration.com or call 1-800-349-HELP (4357).
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