How to Winterize Home Plumbing
Winter Plumbing Checklist for North Alabama Homes
Because One Cold Night Can Turn Into a Big, Wet Headache
In North Alabama, cold weather doesn’t stick around for long — but when it hits, it hits fast. One night of freezing temps is all it takes for pipes to freeze, crack, or burst. And because most Alabama homes aren’t built with deep water lines or insulated exterior-wall plumbing, we see a flood (literally) of winter plumbing emergencies every year.
The good news? Most of the damage can be prevented with a little prep.
This guide walks you through how to winterize home plumbing, what temperature pipes freeze, how to tell if pipes are frozen, what to do if pipes freeze, and how to thaw frozen pipes safely — all based on the real-world calls we handle every winter here at B&C Plumbing.
Let’s break it down.
What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze?
Here in North Alabama, you should start worrying when temperatures drop below 25°F for several hours.
Why the higher risk here compared to northern states?
- Alabama homes often have water lines in outside walls
- Pipes run through attics, garages, and crawl spaces
- Water lines are often buried much shallower than in cold climates
In short: our homes simply aren’t built for long freezes.
The Most Common Winter Plumbing Problems in North Alabama
Every winter, we see the same major issues:
Frozen Pipes
Once a pipe freezes solid, there’s not much anyone can do until it thaws.
Burst Pipes
Most burst pipes happen in older homes with copper, CPVC, or PVC plumbing.
Hidden Hose Bibb Damage
The fixture doesn’t leak until you turn it on in spring — then water starts pouring into the wall or crawl space.
Frozen Water Lines to Tankless Water Heaters
The heater is fine — it’s the pipes leading to it that freeze.
Exterior Wall Bathrooms Freezing
Toilets or sinks backed against an outside wall are high-risk.
Garage, Attic & Crawl Space Freezing
Any unheated area is vulnerable.
Newer homes with PEX piping have a better chance of surviving a freeze because PEX expands — but older systems rarely get that lucky.
How to Winterize Home Plumbing (Your Step-by-Step Checklist)
1. Disconnect and Protect Outdoor Spigots
Outdoor faucets are the #1 cause of winter water damage we see.
Do this before the first freeze:
- Disconnect all hoses (the water trapped inside will freeze and split the pipe)
- Install an insulated hose bibb cover
- Wrap exposed risers coming from the ground
Even a towel and duct tape are better than nothing.
2. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
The pipes that freeze first are almost always:
- In the attic
- In the garage
- Behind toilets or vanities on exterior walls
- Leading to outdoor tankless water heaters
Use:
- Armaflex foam insulation
- Store-bought pipe sleeves
- Even blankets in an emergency
Anything that keeps cold air off the pipes helps.
3. Keep Water Heaters Safe
Tank-style heaters inside the home rarely freeze.
Tankless units outside? Completely different story.
Insulate:
- The cold line feeding the heater
- The hot line leaving it
- Any plumbing inside recessed outdoor boxes
4. Prep Crawl Spaces and Unheated Areas
- Close foundation vents during freezes
- Cover exposed pipes
- Make sure warm air can reach plumbing
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, B&C can do a pre-winter inspection.
How to Tell If Pipes Are Frozen
Here are the biggest red flags:
• Only some faucets work
If the kitchen sink runs but the bathroom doesn’t, that bathroom’s line is likely frozen.
• Water trickles or spits
A partial freeze in progress.
• Sudden low pressure
Often means ice is forming somewhere in the line.
• Toilets fill slowly
Frozen supply lines = sluggish refill.
• Frost on pipes
A clear sign the line is freezing or frozen.
If you notice any of these, act fast — the pipe is at risk of bursting.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
Here’s what to do immediately:
- Turn faucets on to relieve pressure
- Open cabinets to let warm air reach the pipes
- Shut off the water at the meter if you suspect a leak
- Never use a torch or open flame
Frozen pipes alone are not an emergency — but the damage they cause afterwards is.
Once things thaw, call B&C to check for cracks or leaks.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes (Safely)
Avoid panic. Use these safe thawing methods:
Hair Dryer (Best Method)
Move slowly along the pipe, warming the area around it.
Small Space Heater
Place it near (not touching) the pipe under sinks.
Warm the Room First
Raising the ambient temperature helps more than direct heat.
Never:
- Use a torch
- Use open flame
- Overheat PVC or CPVC lines
- Try to thaw a pipe you can’t see
If the pipe is in the wall or crawl space, call us — thawing blindly is dangerous.
Should You Drip Faucets During a Freeze? (Yes — Do It.)
Dripping works, but a steady stream is even better.
Why?
- A trickle can still freeze
- Warm water keeps both hot and cold lines moving
- A stream keeps pressure low and prevents bursting
Run warm water from fixtures on both sides of the house.
After the Freeze: What to Check
As things thaw, watch for:
- Reduced pressure
- Water pooling near walls
- Damp drywall or ceilings
- Leaks in the crawl space
- Hose bibbs leaking only after being turned on
If something feels “off,” shut the water off at the meter and call us.
When It’s an Emergency (and When It’s Not)
Emergency:
- Active leak
- Burst pipe
- You had to shut off your water supply
Not an emergency:
- Frozen pipes (we can only repair leaks after thawing)
We offer same-day service during freeze events, with all hands on deck.
Why North Alabama Homeowners Trust B&C in Winter
- 20+ years serving Huntsville, Madison & Decatur
- Same-day emergency service during cold snaps
- Honest pricing: materials + labor, clearly explained
- We insulate, inspect, and prep pipes before winter
- Local techs who understand Alabama home construction (and all its quirks)
Get Your Home Winter-Ready
Don’t wait for the first hard freeze. B&C can help with:
- Pipe insulation
- Hose bibb upgrades
- Crawl space prep
- Outdoor water heater protection
- Post-thaw inspections
- Winter emergency repairs
Call (256) 382-0825 or request service online. We keep North Alabama homes flowing — even when the temperature drops.