Blog

Protect Your Home Plumbing from Freezing Weather: A Comprehensive Guide

Protect Your Home Plumbing from Freezing Weather: A Comprehensive Guide

Winter in Wake County brings cold temperatures that can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. Frozen pipes are not just an inconvenience; they can lead to costly repairs, water damage, and significant disruptions to your daily life. Understanding why pipes freeze, how to prevent it, and what to do in an emergency can help you protect your home and avoid expensive problems.

At Main Street Plumbing, we believe in keeping homeowners informed and prepared. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about protecting your plumbing from freezing temperatures, all in a way that’s easy to understand and apply.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

Water expands as it freezes, and when it does, it puts immense pressure on the inside of your pipes. If there’s no room for expansion, the pipe may crack or burst, leading to major leaks and potential flooding. Pipes most vulnerable to freezing include:

  • Outdoor pipes – Hose bibs, sprinkler lines, and pool supply lines.
  • Pipes in unheated spaces – Basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces.
  • Pipes along exterior walls – If insulation is lacking, these are prime candidates for freezing.
  • Under-sink pipes – Especially those located along outside walls in kitchens and bathrooms.

When temperatures dip below freezing (32°F or 0°C), water inside these pipes can freeze, expand, and potentially cause a burst pipe. The damage can be extensive, affecting floors, walls, and even the structural integrity of your home.

Mended HoseWhat Happens When a Pipe Freezes?

A frozen pipe isn’t always easy to spot, especially if the pipe is hidden behind a wall. However, some common signs of frozen pipes include:

  • No water coming from the faucet – If you turn on a tap and little to no water comes out, it could mean the pipe feeding that faucet is frozen.
  • Strange noises – You may hear banging or clanking sounds as ice moves inside the pipe.
  • Visible frost – If you can see frost on exposed pipes, they may be frozen inside as well.
  • Unpleasant odors – A strange smell from the drain or faucet could indicate a blockage due to ice buildup.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent the pipe from bursting and causing severe damage.

How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

The best way to handle frozen pipes is to prevent them from freezing in the first place. Here are some practical steps you can take to keep your plumbing safe this winter:

1. Insulate Your Pipes

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent freezing is by insulating exposed pipes. You can use:

  • Foam pipe insulation
  • Heating tape or cable
  • Fiberglass insulation

Focus on pipes in unheated areas, as well as those near exterior walls. Insulation helps maintain the temperature of the water inside the pipes and prevents freezing.

2. Seal Cracks and Drafts

Cold air seeping into your home can make it easier for pipes to freeze. Check for drafts around windows, doors, and where pipes enter your home. Use:

  • Caulk or spray foam to seal gaps.
  • Weatherstripping around doors and windows.

Keeping cold air out is key to maintaining a stable indoor temperature and protecting your plumbing.

3. Keep Your Home Warm

  • Set your thermostat to at least 55°F, even when you’re away.
  • Keep interior doors open to allow warm air to circulate.
  • If possible, maintain a consistent temperature during both day and night.

Many homeowners lower the thermostat at night to save energy, but this can increase the risk of freezing pipes. Keeping the temperature steady helps prevent sudden drops that could cause problems.

4. Let Faucets Drip

A slow drip from your faucets can relieve pressure in your pipes and keep water moving, reducing the chances of freezing. Even a small trickle of water can be enough to prevent ice buildup.

  • Let both hot and cold water drip in particularly cold areas.
  • Focus on faucets connected to exposed pipes.

5. Open Cabinet Doors

Pipes under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom are often located near exterior walls. Keeping cabinet doors open allows warm air to reach these pipes and prevent freezing.

  • Open the cabinets overnight, especially during extreme cold snaps.
  • Be mindful of household pets and young children who may have access to cleaning supplies inside the cabinets.

6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Outdoor Faucets

Water left inside hoses can freeze and expand, leading to damage in the hose and connected pipes. To prevent this:

  • Disconnect and drain garden hoses before the first freeze.
  • Shut off outdoor water supply valves.
  • Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers for extra protection.

7. Use Heating Tape on Vulnerable Pipes

For pipes in unheated areas, electric heating tape can provide added protection. This tape generates low heat to keep the pipes warm and prevent freezing.

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
  • Use only heating tape approved for plumbing use.

8. Know Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

If a pipe does freeze and bursts, knowing how to quickly shut off the water can prevent extensive damage. Locate your main water shut-off valve and ensure all household members know where it is and how to use it.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

Despite taking precautions, pipes can still freeze during extreme weather. If you suspect a frozen pipe, follow these steps:

  1. Turn on the Faucet – If only a trickle of water comes out, leave the faucet open. Running water can help melt the ice inside.
  2. Apply Heat to the Pipe – Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or space heater to warm the frozen section. Do NOT use an open flame.
  3. Check for Leaks – Once the pipe has thawed, check for cracks or leaks.
  4. Call a Professional – If you cannot locate or thaw the frozen section, or if the pipe has burst, call Main Street Plumbing immediately.
Dealing with a Burst Pipe

A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that requires immediate action:

  • Shut off the main water supply to stop further flooding.
  • Turn off electricity in the affected area if there is standing water.
  • Drain remaining water by turning on all faucets.
  • Call a professional plumber to repair the damage.
  • Document the damage for insurance purposes.

The faster you act, the more you can minimize damage to your home.

Why Trust Main Street Plumbing?

At Main Street Plumbing, we are committed to helping homeowners in Wake County protect their homes from plumbing disasters. We offer:

  • 24/7 emergency plumbing services
  • Winterization services to prevent frozen pipes
  • Expert repairs for burst pipes
  • Insulation and pipe protection solutions

Our team of experienced professionals understands the unique challenges of Wake County’s winter weather, and we’re here to ensure your plumbing stays in top shape year-round.

Final Thoughts: Stay Warm and Protected This Winter

Preventing frozen pipes is much easier than dealing with a burst one. By taking simple precautions, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your plumbing in excellent condition all winter long.
If you need assistance preparing your home’s plumbing for freezing temperatures, Main Street Plumbing is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice, preventive maintenance, and emergency plumbing services.

📞 Call us today to schedule your winter plumbing check-up!