How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains means taking freeze prevention seriously. Here's what you need to know.
Why Mountain Homes Are Vulnerable
Higher elevations mean colder temperatures. Many WNC homes were built as vacation cabins with minimal insulation. Crawlspaces and exposed pipes are common. The combination creates significant freeze risk during cold snaps.
Still have questions?
Prevention Steps
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap foam pipe insulation around all pipes in unheated spaces - crawlspaces, attics, garages, and exterior walls. Pay special attention to pipes that have frozen before.
Seal Air Leaks
Cold air drafts freeze pipes. Seal gaps around pipes where they enter your home, close crawlspace vents in winter, and weatherstrip doors to unheated spaces.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Remove all hoses from outdoor faucets before freezing weather. Water left in connected hoses can freeze back into the pipe and cause it to burst.
Know Vulnerable Spots
Pipes on exterior walls, in unheated garages, and in crawlspaces are most at risk. If a pipe has frozen before, it will likely freeze again without additional protection.
Consider Heat Tape
For particularly vulnerable pipes, electric heat tape provides reliable freeze protection. We can install this for maximum effectiveness.
During Extreme Cold
When temperatures drop below 20F, let vulnerable faucets drip slightly. Moving water freezes more slowly than still water.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes against exterior walls.
Keep your thermostat at 55F minimum, even if you're away. The cost of heating is far less than fixing burst pipes.
Check on pipes in unheated spaces during extreme cold. Early detection prevents burst pipes.
Still have questions?
Want Professional Winterization?
We can assess your home and install protection where you need it most.