Cold snaps in the South tend to catch a lot of people off guard. Homes here just aren’t built for harsh winters, so insulation and safeguards are usually pretty minimal. When temperatures suddenly drop below freezing, exposed or poorly protected pipes freeze and burst all too easily. That leads to expensive repairs and a big mess. The best way to protect pipes during a Southern cold snap is to insulate vulnerable spots, keep indoor heat steady, and let water move through the system.
Even a short freeze can cause headaches if plumbing runs through exterior walls, attics, crawl spaces, or those chilly garages. So, understanding how and why pipes freeze really is the first step. With a bit of prep, you can avoid the stress, cost, and chaos of a burst pipe.
This guide breaks down the science behind freezing pipes. You’ll also find proven preventive measures and tips on what to do if a freeze or burst actually happens. Got a mind for the long term? There are strategies here to make your plumbing more resilient, so future cold snaps—however rare—won’t ruin your week.
Why Pipes Freeze During Southern Cold Snaps
Sudden temperature drops can freeze water inside plumbing, making it expand and wreck pipes. Homes in warmer regions face more risk since their plumbing usually doesn’t have the insulation you’d find up north. Even a quick cold spell can cause expensive failures.
How Freezing Temperatures Affect Pipes
When the air temperature falls to 32°F or lower, water inside pipes starts to freeze. As it turns into ice, it expands by about 9%, which ramps up pressure inside the pipe walls.
That pressure keeps building until the pipe cracks or bursts. Most breaks happen downstream from the frozen spot, where the pressure can’t escape.
Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated places—think attics, garages, or exterior walls—freeze the fastest. Wind chill just makes things worse by pushing cold air into wall cavities or crawl spaces.
Even in places where freezing weather barely happens, just a few hours below freezing can do real damage. That’s why those sudden southern cold snaps are so rough on plumbing.
Risks of Burst Pipes
A burst pipe can dump hundreds of gallons of water an hour, depending on water pressure. That much water floods floors, soaks walls, and ruins insulation fast.
The average repair and cleanup cost after a burst pipe? Usually several thousand dollars. Water damage also brings mold if you don’t act quickly.
Besides repair bills, you might lose water service until someone replaces the damaged section. Insurance sometimes helps, but many policies make you prove you took preventive steps.
If you’re away during a freeze, the risk jumps. Without heat in the house and no faucets running, pipes can freeze and burst before anyone even notices.
Common Vulnerable Areas in Southern Homes
Southern homes often run plumbing through spaces that aren’t heated or insulated. These spots include:
- Exterior wall pipes behind thin siding or brick
- Attic water lines for upstairs bathrooms
- Garage plumbing for laundry or utility sinks
- Crawl space pipes under the floor
- Outdoor spigots and supply lines
A lot of homes here also use shallower pipe burial, so underground lines are left more exposed. Outdoor hose bibs and irrigation systems often fail first during rare freezes.
Because these areas just aren’t built for cold, even a short freeze can ice over pipes and cause failures. Regular checks and insulation upgrades really help cut down the risk.
Key Preventive Measures to Protect Pipes
Cold snaps in the South can still freeze water in pipes, making it expand and potentially crack, leak, or burst. Targeted, simple steps cut the chance of damage during those sudden cold dips.
Pipe Insulation and Foam Insulation
Insulating exposed pipes is honestly one of the most reliable ways to stop freezing. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls face the most risk since those spaces usually lack heat.
Foam insulation sleeves are cheap and pretty easy to install. Just slip them over the pipe to help keep temperatures steady. For odd shapes or tight spots, wrap foam tape around the pipe for full coverage.
Some tips for installing insulation:
- Measure pipe length before you buy insulation to avoid gaps.
- Seal joints with weather-resistant tape to keep cold air out.
- Check each year for worn or damaged insulation and swap it out if needed.
Even in milder places, insulation can slow heat loss enough to keep water flowing during short freezes.
Using Heat Tape for Extra Protection
Heat tape, or heating cable, adds warmth right to the pipe’s surface. Plug it in and the built-in thermostat kicks on when it gets cold.
You can choose from two main types:
| Type | Description | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Self-regulating | Changes heat output based on pipe temp | Energy efficient, safer for PVC and metal pipes |
| Constant wattage | Keeps steady heat output | Consistent cold conditions |
When you install heat tape:
- Stick to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Don’t let the tape overlap itself, or it’ll overheat.
- Use only outdoor-rated extension cords if you need one.
Heat tape works even better when you pair it with insulation, since the insulation helps keep that warmth in.
Let Faucets Drip to Prevent Freezing
Letting faucets drip slowly keeps water moving, which makes freezing less likely—even when it’s nearly freezing outside.
This trick works best for pipes running through exterior walls or unheated spaces. Just let the cold water drip, and don’t overdo it—a slow trickle is enough.
If you’ve got several vulnerable pipes, focus on:
- The farthest faucet from the water source to keep water moving through the whole system.
- Both hot and cold taps if the sink has separate lines.
Sure, it wastes a little water, but that’s way cheaper than fixing a burst pipe.
Securing Outdoor Plumbing and Faucets
Cold snaps in the South can still wreck exposed plumbing. Water left in exterior lines or fixtures freezes, expands, and splits pipes. A few simple steps can save you a lot of hassle and keep your water systems working through winter.
Drain Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Standing water in outdoor faucets and hoses is a super common cause of freeze damage. Even short hoses can trap water that backs up into the spigot and pipes.
To avoid this, turn off the water supply to each faucet, then open the faucet all the way to drain any leftover water.
Disconnect all hoses, even on secondary spigots or irrigation hookups. Drain hoses by lifting one end and walking along it to push out water. Take off spray nozzles, shut-off valves, or timers—those hold water in little chambers.
Store hoses somewhere above freezing, like a garage or basement. Coil them loosely so you don’t kink and weaken the material.
Install Outdoor Faucet Covers
Outdoor faucet covers give you a layer of insulation that slows heat loss from the fixture. They’re cheap, easy to put on, and work well for short cold snaps.
Pick covers made from rigid foam or heavy-duty insulated fabric. They should fit snugly to block wind and cold air.
Before you put one on, make sure the faucet is all the way off and drained. Pop the cover over the spigot and secure it with whatever strap, drawstring, or Velcro it comes with.
If you need to use a faucet in winter, look for a cover with a flap or opening for a hose—no need to take it off every time.
Shut Off and Winterize Exterior Water Lines
Shutting off water to outside lines is the most reliable way to stop freezing. Most homes have an interior shut-off valve near where the pipe exits the wall.
Turn the valve clockwise until it stops, then open the outdoor faucet to drain any trapped water. Leave the faucet open.
If there’s a low-point drain, open it to clear water between the shut-off and faucet. If not, gravity will empty most of the line once the faucet is open.
For irrigation systems, follow the maker’s winterization steps or get a pro to blow out the lines with compressed air. That makes sure no water is left in underground pipes or sprinkler heads that could freeze and crack.
Sealing and Insulating Your Home
Cold air sneaks in through small gaps and poorly insulated spots, dropping indoor temps and raising the risk of frozen pipes. Block those entry points and add insulation where you can to keep plumbing warmer and cut heat loss.
Seal Drafts and Cracks
Gaps around walls, floors, and ceilings let cold air get to pipes. Trouble spots pop up around cable lines, dryer vents, and where plumbing goes through walls.
A tube of silicone caulk or spray foam insulation seals these up. For bigger gaps, expanding foam works better and lasts longer.
Walk the perimeter of your home, especially where pipes run near outside walls. Even small cracks can send cold air right at vulnerable plumbing.
Sealing these spots helps protect pipes and boosts your home’s energy efficiency.
Weatherproof Doors and Windows
Drafty doors and windows let in enough cold air to drop temps near exposed pipes. Weatherproofing helps cut that risk.
Weatherstripping seals gaps along door frames. Self-adhesive foam or rubber strips are simple to put on and fit most frames.
For windows, run caulk along exterior seams and use shrink-film insulation kits inside during colder months.
If a door or window has a big gap at the bottom, a door sweep or draft stopper blocks airflow. These small changes can really help keep rooms warmer.
Insulate Attics, Basements, and Crawl Spaces
Pipes in unheated spaces face the highest risk of freezing. Adding insulation in these areas keeps temps steadier.
In attics, fiberglass batts or blown-in insulation help hold in heat. For basements and crawl spaces, rigid foam boards or spray foam work well for sealing rim joists and walls.
Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe sleeves for extra protection. In crawl spaces, closing vents during cold weather can help trap warmth.
Pay attention to corners and edges where insulation looks thin or missing. Consistent coverage matters for stopping cold spots that could freeze pipes.
Maintaining Indoor Temperatures
Cold air can flood a home quickly during a southern cold snap, and even short cold spells put pipes at risk. Keeping indoor spaces warm and even cuts the chance of water freezing in pipes, especially near exterior walls or in unheated rooms.
Keep Thermostat Consistent
A steady indoor temperature helps keep pipes safe. Dropping the heat suddenly can let standing water in pipes freeze, even if you warm up the house later.
Set the thermostat to no lower than 55°F at all times during cold snaps. That goes for overnight and when you leave the house, too.
In well-insulated homes, keeping the temperature steady often uses less energy than reheating a cold space. For older homes or drafty spots, this is even more important.
If you have multiple heating zones, keep each one active to avoid cold pockets where pipes might run.
Open Cabinet and Interior Doors
Pipes under sinks or behind closed doors can get much colder than the rest of the house. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warm air can reach the plumbing, especially along exterior walls.
Keep interior doors between rooms open, too, so heat moves evenly through the home. That stops isolated cold spots that can threaten pipes in less-used spaces.
If you’ve got kids or pets, move cleaning products and chemicals out of low cabinets before leaving them open.
This step works especially well in homes with thin insulation or plumbing running through unheated parts of the building.
Use Space Heaters Safely
Space heaters bring extra warmth where central heating doesn’t cut it—like basements, garages, or rooms over crawl spaces.
Keep them at least three feet from anything flammable and never leave them running unattended. Always plug them straight into a wall outlet, not an extension cord.
If you use one in a bathroom or laundry room, plug it into a GFCI outlet to lower the risk of shock.
A small, energy-efficient heater can keep pipes above freezing without overheating the room. Using them in the right spots can protect plumbing without spiking your energy bill.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze or Burst
When water freezes inside pipes, it blocks the flow and creates pressure. This pressure can make the pipe burst. If you act quickly, you can save your plumbing, walls, and floors from costly damage. Just remember, safety comes first—always.
Identifying Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes usually mean you’ll see little or no water coming from faucets. Sometimes, only certain fixtures stop working, which can help you figure out where the problem is.
If you spot frost on a pipe or it feels oddly cold, it’s probably frozen. Bulging spots on the pipe? That’s a sign ice has built up inside.
Try listening when you turn on a tap. Hear a weird gurgle or clunk? That could be ice blocking the water. Make sure you know where your main shut-off valve is, just in case things go south.
Safely Thawing Pipes
Turn off the water supply to the affected area or just shut off the whole house before you start thawing. This way, if the pipe bursts, you’ll have less to clean up.
Start thawing near the faucet and move toward the frozen spot. Melting water will flow out through the open tap, which helps a lot.
Use something safe for heat—like a hair dryer, heat lamp, or even warm towels. Never use an open flame; that’s just asking for trouble.
If the frozen pipe hides behind a wall, crank up the room temperature or set up a space heater nearby. Just keep it away from anything flammable.
Responding to Burst Pipes
If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water supply right away. That’ll stop the water and keep flooding to a minimum.
If water gets near outlets or appliances, cut the electricity to that area. Don’t walk into flooded rooms until you know the power’s off.
Take photos of the damage for your insurance. Mop up or vacuum standing water as soon as you can.
Call a licensed plumber to fix or replace the busted section. If it’s still cold out, add insulation to the repaired pipe to avoid a repeat.
Set up fans or a dehumidifier to dry everything out and keep mold from taking over.
Would you like me to also pull together the preceding section on Preventing Pipes From Freezing so the article flows better?
Long-Term Strategies for Pipe Protection
Southern pipes might not battle months of freezing, but even a short cold snap can do real damage. If you want to keep your pipes safe, focus on insulation, keep an eye on the weather, and call a pro when things get tricky.
Upgrade Insulation in Older Homes
A lot of older homes barely have any insulation around exposed pipes. Adding foam pipe insulation, rubber sleeves, or fiberglass wrap will help keep water lines above freezing.
Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls face the most risk. Check and insulate these spots first. Even a quick cold snap can freeze pipes that aren’t protected.
Better insulation cuts heat loss too, so you might see lower energy bills. Each year, check for worn or damaged insulation and swap it out before winter hits.
If you can’t reach some pipes, a plumber can add heat cables or heat tape. These give pipes gentle, steady warmth right where it’s needed.
Monitor Weather and Prepare Early
Southern cold snaps can hit fast, and temperatures drop suddenly. If you watch the local forecast, you’ll know when to get ready.
When a cold front’s coming, open cabinet doors, let faucets drip, and seal up drafts ahead of time. These simple steps help keep water moving and block the cold.
Stick a thermometer in unheated spots like garages or basements. When temps get close to freezing, you’ll know it’s time to act.
Don’t forget to drain outdoor faucets and disconnect garden hoses before the first freeze. Even a mild freeze can burst outside pipes if water’s trapped inside.
Professional Plumbing Services
Licensed plumbers can check your home’s plumbing for freeze risks and suggest permanent fixes. They might relocate pipes to warmer spots, upgrade old materials, or add insulation where it’s needed.
These pros can install automatic heating systems for pipes that are at risk. That way, your pipes stay above freezing, and you don’t have to keep an eye on them all the time.
Annual inspections help uncover hidden leaks or damaged insulation. Sometimes, cold air sneaks in where you least expect it.
If you live somewhere that gets hit with cold snaps every year, these upgrades just make sense. They keep your plumbing working when you need it most.