We thought frozen pipes were a concern we’d left behind after moving to Florida, but last month’s arctic blast dropped nighttime temps into the low 20s for three nights straight — with a record low of 18°F, an event locals called once-in-a-century for Northwest Florida.
That was especially alarming because many local homes aren’t built for sustained freezing conditions. When water freezes it expands, and that expansion can crack or burst pipes, causing leaks and flooding.
Fortunately, with a few straightforward precautions we kept our plumbing from freezing. Several neighbors weren’t so lucky — many had one or more burst pipes — so we’re very grateful the steps we took protected our home. Below are five practical measures that worked for us, plus a local plumber’s tip that saved our outdoor shower.
Tip 1: Identify Your Problem Pipes
Start by assessing your plumbing for locations most likely to freeze so you can prioritize protections and monitor those spots closely during cold spells. Common vulnerable areas include:
- Outdoor plumbing fixtures such as hose bibs and outdoor showers
- Pipes in unconditioned spaces like garages, attics, and crawl spaces
- Plumbing on exterior walls
- Pipes enclosed in cabinets or closets away from heat
- Pipes exposed to wind, for example on docks
- Any uninsulated piping
Our main concerns were exterior systems: the water heater, outdoor shower, and hose bibs. Interior pipes were lower risk because we have a whole-house generator and maintained heat, but pipes in attics or other unheated interior spaces can still freeze, so those need attention too.
Tip 2: Add Insulation To Your Pipes
Some exterior pipes were already insulated, but others — like the copper run to our outdoor shower — were exposed. When the forecast predicted a deep freeze, we bought self-sealing foam tubular pipe insulation and installed it quickly. These foam tubes are inexpensive and easy to fit around straight runs; purchase elbows and tees for fittings as needed.
Installation took about 15 minutes for the exposed runs. Where the foam tubes wouldn’t fit, adhesive insulating tape worked well on irregular shapes like hose bibs or pipe segments snug to siding.
We also checked attic plumbing and re-covered any pipes where blown insulation had shifted. Even indoor pipes can freeze if they’re uninsulated and located in cold attics, garages, or basements, so don’t skip that step.
Tip 3: Drip Your Faucets
Letting water drip is a proven, simple method to prevent freezing. Moving water resists freezing longer than still water, so set faucets to a light trickle. Be sure to drip both the hot and cold lines — we saw cases where only the cold side was dripped and the hot line froze and burst.
Indoors we slightly opened both hot and cold handles. The outdoor shower was trickier — running it full blast for days wasn’t practical. A local plumber suggested removing the showerhead and placing a cap on the shower arm, hand-tightened so a small amount of water could still leak out. This allowed a slow flow through both hot and cold lines without a full spray.
We kept interior and exterior fixtures lightly dripping for the three cold nights and checked them regularly for ice buildup or blockages. We even left reminders on sinks so family members wouldn’t accidentally shut them off. The small extra water use is negligible compared with the potential damage from a burst pipe.
Tip 4: Turn Your Water Fully Off
An alternative is to shut off water to the home or to specific outdoor fixtures. If you won’t be home to monitor drips, turning off water and draining the lines is a sensible option. After shutting off the supply, relieve pressure by opening the lowest outdoor spigot until flow slows. Failing to drain the lines can still allow trapped water to freeze and cause damage.
Tip 5: A Pool Looks Vulnerable But Can Typically Handle It
We have a year-round open pool, which initially worried us because of exposed PVC plumbing around the equipment. Our pool controller includes a “Freeze Protect” mode that activates below about 36°F, cycling pumps and features to keep water moving and prevent freezing. Even without that feature, running pumps periodically helps keep pool plumbing safe; large PVC lines take considerable time to freeze through.
We monitored the pool during the freeze to confirm pumps and fountains were cycling, but otherwise the system maintained itself for several days. If you have a pool, check with your pool company or owner’s manual before cold weather to understand the controls and any freeze-protection features your system may offer.
Tip 6: Nothing’s Foolproof…
No single set of precautions guarantees that every pipe will survive every extreme event, but these measures significantly reduce risk. We’re very glad we took them — they let us get through this rare arctic blast without any plumbing damage.
More Freezing Weather Preparations
Beyond plumbing, we also protected outdoor plants during the cold snap using a few effective methods. If your heat goes out, consider additional steps to prevent frozen pipes — draining lines or shutting off water where appropriate. Taking a little time to prepare can prevent costly repairs and major inconvenience.
*Some links or product mentions in other versions of this content may be affiliate references. The practical steps described above are general safety measures to help protect plumbing during freezing weather.