Freezing Water Pipes Are a Problem in the South, but You Can Prevent Them With Simple Steps

It’s never too late to prepare your home’s water pipes for freezing weather, even if the freezing weather has already arrived

It’s a scientific fact that water freezes when the temperature drops low enough. So it’s never too late to safeguard your plumbing against freezing temperatures, especially with the wild temperature swings we experience here in the South. Taking a little time and spending a few dollars can save you thousands of dollars in preventable repairs later, and spare you a lot of headaches.

Pressure Causes Bursts

When water in a pipe freezes it expands and builds pressure. If that pressure has a place to go, such as an open faucet, the ice can form safely. But if the water has nowhere to escape it will force its way out through the weakest point and cause a leak when the ice melts and normal flow resumes. Even a small crack can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in water damage.

Give Pressure an Escape Route

A simple short term measure is to open faucets slightly so water drips. As pipes freeze the excess pressure can escape through the open taps. A more reliable solution is to leave a steady trickle of water running at all taps fed by vulnerable pipes. Moving water freezes at a lower temperature than still water.

Open Cabinet Doors

Allow warm air from your home to circulate around pipes under sinks. Open cabinet doors in bathrooms and kitchens during cold snaps so heat can reach pipes. Close them again once temperatures stay above freezing.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Check pipes running through unheated areas such as garages attics and crawl spaces. Replace damaged or missing pipe wrap insulation. Measure your pipes as most wrap comes in ½ inch or ¾ inch sizes and choose the right diameter. For hot water lines select insulation rated for higher temperatures to reduce heat loss.

Add Attic and Crawl Space Insulation

Proper home insulation prevents temperatures in attics and crawl spaces from dropping too low. Even well wrapped pipes can freeze if the space around them is poorly insulated. Inspect insulation levels and consider adding more if you find gaps or compressed batts.

Use Electric Heat Tape for Trouble Spots

Electric heat tape wraps around pipes and plugs into an outlet. It provides a small constant amount of heat so pipes never reach freezing. Install it on exposed sections of pipe most at risk. Follow manufacturer instructions and use only tape rated for your pipe material.

Turn Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets

Freeze damage to hose bibs can send water back into interior lines. Shut off the supply to exterior spigots and open each bib faucet to drain residual water and relieve pressure. Close the faucet once fully drained to prevent pests entering.

Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve

In case a pipe does burst you’ll want to stop flooding quickly. Know exactly where your main valve is and verify it turns off fully. Exercise the valve now so it doesn’t seize. Keep a list of plumber phone numbers handy.

Consider Smart Leak Detectors

Install smart water sensors near susceptible pipes, water heaters and appliances. These devices alert you via smartphone if they detect moisture or a sudden drop in line pressure. Early warning can prevent major damage.

Maintain Proper Indoor Temperature

Keep your thermostat set no lower than 55 degrees even when away. If possible maintain a consistent temperature to avoid repeated freeze thaw cycles that stress both pipes and your heating system.

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

Have a licensed plumber inspect your system annually before cold weather arrives. They can identify weak points, failing insulation and recommend permanent freeze protection solutions such as pipe relocation.

Homes in the South Are at Highest Risk

Ironically burst pipes are more common in the South where building practices often do not anticipate occasional sub freezing temperatures. Even a brief cold snap can overwhelm unprotected plumbing. Follow these steps now to protect your home’s pipes and avoid a costly repair when cold weather strikes.