How to protect your pipes before winter hits.

Cold weather doesn’t just bring lower temperatures—it brings real risks to your home’s plumbing system. Frozen pipes can burst without warning, causing thousands of dollars in water damage and leaving you without running water during the coldest days of the year.

The Triangle and Sandhills regions of North Carolina, along with Hampton Roads and Richmond in Virginia, may not see the extreme cold of northern states, but temperatures still drop low enough to threaten exposed pipes. Even a brief freeze can cause serious damage if your plumbing isn’t prepared.

The good news? With a few simple steps, you can protect your pipes before the first freeze arrives. This guide will walk you through why winterizing matters, how to spot vulnerable areas and what to do if the worst happens.

Why frozen pipes are more than an inconvenience.

When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands. That expansion creates pressure that can crack or burst the pipe, even if it’s made of copper or PVC. Once the ice thaws, water rushes through the break and floods your home.

The damage can be devastating:

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, the average claim for frozen pipe damage exceeds $5,000. Prevention is far cheaper than cleanup.

Which pipes are most at risk?

Not all pipes face the same level of danger. Knowing where your vulnerabilities lie helps you focus your winterizing efforts where they matter most.

Pipes in unheated spaces: Crawl spaces, attics, basements and garages lack climate control, making pipes in these areas especially prone to freezing.

Exterior walls: Pipes running along outside walls have less insulation protecting them from cold air infiltration.

Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines: Any plumbing exposed to the elements can freeze solid during a cold snap.

Pipes in vacation homes or unused spaces: If you’re not running water regularly, stagnant pipes are more likely to freeze.

Take a walk through your home now, before temperatures drop. Note any pipes that fit these descriptions so you can address them before winter arrives.

Steps to winterize your plumbing.

Preparing your pipes doesn’t require professional skills or expensive tools. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk:

Insulate exposed pipes.

Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. Wrap any pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics or garages. Pay special attention to pipes along exterior walls. Even a thin layer of insulation can make a significant difference when temperatures drop.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.

Remove hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them completely. Water left inside hoses or hose bibs can freeze, expand and crack the faucet or the pipe behind it. Store hoses indoors until spring.

Shut off and drain sprinkler systems.

If you have an irrigation system, turn off the water supply and blow out the lines with compressed air. Trapped water in sprinkler pipes can freeze and cause expensive damage to your system.

Seal gaps and cracks.

Cold air can sneak into your home through surprisingly small openings. Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps around pipes where they enter your home, especially near the foundation or exterior walls. Even small drafts can lower the temperature around your pipes enough to cause freezing.

Know where your shut-off valve is.

In an emergency, you need to be able to cut off your water supply quickly. Locate your main water shut-off valve now and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water immediately can save you from extensive flood damage.

Open cabinet doors during freezing nights.

When temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing, open the cabinet doors under sinks, especially those on exterior walls. This allows warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes and reduces the chance of freezing.

Let faucets drip.

On the coldest nights, let faucets connected to vulnerable pipes drip slightly. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. You don’t need a heavy flow—just a slow, steady drip is enough.

What to do if your pipes freeze.

Even with the best preparation, pipes can still freeze during an unexpected cold snap. If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, or you notice frost on exposed pipes, act quickly.

Keep the faucet open. As you warm the pipe, the ice will begin to melt. An open faucet allows water and steam to escape, reducing pressure buildup that could cause a burst.

Apply gentle heat. Use a hairdryer, heating pad or towels soaked in hot water to warm the frozen section of pipe. Never use an open flame, propane torch or other high-heat source—this can damage the pipe or create a fire hazard.

Warm the surrounding area. If the frozen pipe is in an enclosed space like a cabinet or crawl space, open doors and use a space heater to raise the temperature gradually.

Call a professional if you can’t locate the freeze. If you’re unable to find the frozen section or the pipe is behind a wall, call a licensed plumber. Trying to thaw pipes you can’t see or reach can lead to more damage.

Turn off the water if a pipe bursts. If you hear water running when no faucets are on, or you see water pooling where it shouldn’t be, shut off your main water valve immediately. Then call for emergency plumbing service.

Additional winterizing tips for North Carolina and Virginia homeowners.

Our region experiences unpredictable winter weather. Temperatures can swing from mild to freezing within hours, catching homeowners off guard. Here are a few extra precautions:

Monitor weather forecasts. When overnight lows are expected to drop below 32°F, take extra precautions like letting faucets drip and opening cabinets.

Don’t turn your heat off when you’re away. If you’re traveling during winter, set your thermostat to at least 55°F. This keeps enough warmth in your home to protect your pipes.

Check your attic insulation. Poor attic insulation allows warm air to escape, which can cause pipes in your attic or crawl space to freeze. Upgrading insulation protects both your pipes and your energy bills.

Schedule a plumbing inspection. A licensed plumber can identify vulnerable pipes and recommend targeted solutions. Catching weak points before winter arrives gives you time to address them without the pressure of an emergency.

Protect your home before the freeze.

Frozen pipes aren’t inevitable. With a little preparation and attention to vulnerable areas, you can protect your plumbing system and avoid costly repairs. The steps outlined here are simple, affordable and effective—and they’re far easier than dealing with burst pipes and water damage in the middle of winter.

If you’re unsure where your risks are or need help winterizing your plumbing, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Bell Cow Services today at 844-234-2355 or fill out a quick contact form online. Our licensed plumbers serve the Triangle, Sandhills, Hampton Roads and Richmond areas, and we’re ready to help you prepare for whatever winter brings.