How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

A Complete Homeowner's Guide

Charlotte winters are usually mild, but occasionally a cold snap rolls through, catching homeowners off guard. Unlike northern climates, where homes are built with deep foundations, insulated exterior walls, and heated basements, Charlotte homes weren't designed for sustained freezing temperatures.

Pipes often run through unheated crawl spaces, along exterior walls with minimal insulation, or through attics and garages where cold air circulates freely. When temperatures drop into the teens or below, these vulnerable spots can turn a minor cold front into burst pipes and serious water damage.

Frozen water pipes don't just block your water supply—they can split open and flood your home within hours. Many homeowners discover too late that simple preventive measures, like pipe insulation or letting faucets drip, could have saved them thousands of dollars in repairs. This guide walks you through everything you need to prevent frozen pipes before winter arrives, protect your plumbing during a freeze, and handle frozen pipes safely if they do occur.

Why Pipes Freeze (and Where It Usually Happens)

Water freezes at 32°F, but that doesn't mean your pipes will freeze the moment temperatures hit that mark. Pipes themselves provide some insulation, and the thermal mass of the water inside takes time to cool down.

Additionally, water has to remain at freezing temperatures long enough for ice to form and expand, which is why you'll often see pipes freeze when outdoor temperatures drop to 20°F or below for extended periods—typically six hours or more.

The pipe material also matters. Metal pipes conduct cold more quickly than PVC, and pipes with water sitting still (like those connected to fixtures you rarely use) freeze faster than lines with water flowing through them. This is why letting faucets drip during freezes is so effective—moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water.

Water expands when it freezes, and that's what makes frozen pipes burst. When the ice builds up inside a pipe, it creates pressure between the frozen and unfrozen sections. Once that pressure becomes too high, the pipe cracks.

Around Charlotte, this often happens in spots where pipes are more exposed to the cold. This includes crawl spaces, unheated basements, garages, and attics. Pipes that run through exterior walls or near drafty windows also face a higher risk. Outdoor water systems, such as hose bibs and irrigation lines, are especially vulnerable.

Even a short dip below 20°F can be enough to freeze water supply lines, especially in unheated areas like crawl spaces and attics. Homes in older neighborhoods like Plaza Midwood or Dilworth often have plumbing that wasn't designed for extreme cold.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes: Step-by-Step Guide

There's a lot you can do ahead of time to keep your plumbing safe. Taking a few simple steps now can save you major stress when cold weather hits. The American Red Cross recommends that homeowners take preventive measures before the first freeze, including insulating pipes in unheated areas and disconnecting outdoor hoses.

1. Insulate and Seal Exposed Areas

Start by checking your crawl spaces, attic, and garage. These areas usually have exposed water pipes that need insulation. Foam sleeves or fiberglass wraps work well and are easy to install.

If you find gaps or holes where cold air can sneak in, seal them with caulk or expanding foam. Even small drafts can drop temperatures enough to freeze a line.

If you have pipes that run along exterior walls, make sure those walls are insulated too. A bit of extra insulation now can make a big difference later.

2. Protect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

One of the most common causes of frozen pipes is water left in outdoor spigots or hoses. Before winter, disconnect every garden hose and store it inside.

Use insulated faucet covers to protect the hose bibs, and if your home has a separate shut-off valve for outdoor lines, turn it off and drain the water completely.

If your outdoor plumbing isn't frost-proof, consider installing frost-free hose bibs. They cost a little more but provide reliable protection against freezing temperatures.

3. Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature

During cold weather, keep your home heated evenly. Don't let the temperature drop too low at night or when you leave. Keep the thermostat at least 55°F, and open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can reach the pipes. This is especially important for sinks that sit along exterior walls.

Let cold water trickle from faucets that are most at risk. While a dripping faucet uses extra water, that small flow prevents freezing by keeping water moving through vulnerable pipes.

If you have pipes that tend to freeze repeatedly, you can also wrap them with heat tape for extra protection. Just be sure it's UL-listed and installed according to the manufacturer's directions.

What to Do During a Freeze Warning

When the forecast calls for a hard freeze, your preparation matters. Go through a quick checklist to keep everything safe.

Run a slow drip from both hot and cold water faucets. It keeps water moving through the pipes and helps relieve pressure. Open interior doors to help heat circulate, and keep garage doors closed if plumbing runs through those spaces.

If you'll be away from home during freezing weather, don't turn the heat off completely. Leave it on low, open the cabinets, and ask a trusted neighbor to check your home daily during freezing weather.

For valuable peace of mind, you can install a smart freeze sensor that alerts you if temperatures drop near your water supply lines.

Charlotte Water and local utilities usually post freeze alerts before cold fronts move in. Keeping an eye on those reminders can help you act before things get serious.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely

Sometimes, even with good preparation, pipes can still freeze. If you turn on a faucet and get only a trickle, you likely have a frozen pipe somewhere along the line.

First, keep that faucet open. This helps relieve built-up pressure and allows water to flow once the ice melts.

Then start applying gentle heat to the frozen area. A hair dryer, space heater, or warm towels usually works well. Always keep heaters away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.

Never use an open flame or torch to thaw pipes—using open flames on frozen pipes causes numerous house fires each winter. Once water begins to flow normally again, let it run for several minutes to clear out the remaining ice.

If you can't find the frozen section or it's hidden inside a wall, shut off the main water valve immediately to prevent flooding. Once you've contained the situation, schedule a professional inspection during business hours to assess and repair the damage properly.

Licensed plumbers have the tools to thaw and repair lines safely without damaging the surrounding structure.

When to Call a Professional (and Why Timing Matters)

The best time to address frozen pipe risks is before winter arrives, not after problems start. Here's why: frozen pipe emergencies almost always happen outside normal business hours—during overnight cold snaps or weekend freezes when most plumbing companies aren't available for immediate service.

That's why prevention is so critical. A professional plumber can inspect your home during fall or early winter, identify vulnerable areas, and implement solutions before temperatures drop.

Professional Winterization Services

A thorough winterization inspection covers the areas homeowners often miss:

Hidden pipe locations in crawl spaces, attics, and wall cavities, where insulation is difficult to install properly
Pressure testing to identify weak spots or aging pipes that are more likely to fail during freezing conditions
System-wide assessment of your home's main plumbing components to determine which areas face the highest risk
Professional-grade insulation installation for exposed lines that need more protection than DIY foam sleeves can provide

Pathmaker Plumbing has served Charlotte homeowners for more than 25 years. We understand how southern homes are built and where they're most vulnerable during cold weather. Our licensed plumbers can assess your specific situation and recommend practical solutions that fit your home and budget.

After an Emergency: Repair and Recovery

If pipes do freeze and burst despite your prevention efforts, you'll need professional assessment and repair once the immediate crisis is handled. After shutting off your main water valve and containing the damage, schedule a thorough inspection during business hours.

Burst pipes often indicate other underlying issues—inadequate insulation, compromised pipe integrity, or structural problems that allowed cold air infiltration. A complete evaluation helps prevent the same problem next winter.

For homeowners comfortable with basic repairs, our guide on how to fix a leaky pipe like a professional covers temporary fixes for minor damage. However, frozen pipe damage often affects hidden sections of your plumbing system that require specialized tools and expertise to repair properly.

Understanding Your Limits

Most frozen pipe prevention is straightforward DIY work—installing foam sleeves, sealing drafts, and maintaining proper heat. But knowing when a situation requires professional expertise protects your home and saves money in the long run.

If you're unsure about your plumbing system's winter readiness, schedule a winterization consultation before the next cold snap. Prevention appointments during fall and early winter are much easier to schedule than emergency repairs during the coldest days of the year.

Contact Pathmaker Plumbing at (704) 733-7507 to schedule a winterization inspection and protect your home all winter long.

FAQs: Common Questions About Frozen Pipes

At what temperature do pipes freeze?

Water pipes typically begin freezing when temperatures drop below 20°F and remain there for at least 6 hours, though the exact timing depends on insulation levels and exposure. Pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, and garages are most vulnerable and may freeze at higher temperatures if exposed to cold drafts.

In Charlotte's climate, where homes aren't built for sustained freezing conditions, even brief cold snaps below 20°F can cause problems in uninsulated areas.

Should I let faucets drip to prevent frozen pipes?

Yes, letting faucets drip during freezing weather is one of the most effective prevention methods. Running water—even at a trickle—keeps water moving through pipes, which makes it much harder for ice to form and also relieves pressure that builds up if freezing does occur.

Focus on faucets connected to pipes that run along exterior walls or through unheated spaces, and let both hot and cold water drip since both supply lines are vulnerable.

How long does it take for pipes to freeze?

Pipes typically take 6 to 8 hours of sustained freezing temperatures (below 20°F) to freeze solid, though exposed pipes in crawl spaces or along exterior walls can freeze faster. The timeline depends on several factors: how well the pipes are insulated, the outdoor temperature, wind chill conditions, and whether water is flowing through the pipes.

If temperatures are expected to drop into the teens or single digits overnight, start preventive measures before sunset.

How do I know if my pipes are frozen?

The first sign of frozen pipes is reduced water flow or no water at all when you turn on a faucet, particularly from fixtures connected to exterior walls or unheated areas. You might also notice frost on exposed pipes, unusual sounds like banging or gurgling when running water, or odd smells coming from drains as trapped air escapes.

If only your hot water isn't working, the freeze may be in your water heater's supply line rather than the main plumbing system.

Can frozen pipes thaw without bursting?

Yes, many frozen pipes thaw completely without bursting, especially if caught early and thawed gradually. The danger comes from the pressure that builds up between the frozen section and your faucets—this pressure, not the ice itself, is what causes pipes to crack or burst.

If you catch a freeze early (reduced water flow rather than no flow), you can often thaw pipes safely using gentle heat sources like hair dryers, while keeping faucets open to relieve pressure as the ice melts.

What should I do if I'm leaving town during a freeze?

If you're leaving town for an extended period during cold weather, the safest approach is to have a licensed plumber professionally winterize your plumbing system before you leave and de-winterize it upon your return. This ensures all water is properly drained, fixtures are protected, and your system is safely shut down and restarted.