Hard freezes don't happen often in the Midlands, which is exactly why they catch homes off guard. Pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages, exterior walls and sink cabinets on outside walls are the most at risk. Here's how to prepare — and what to do if a pipe freezes or bursts.
Before the cold snap
Know where your main shutoff is
Find your main water shutoff now and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use it. It's the single most important thing you can do before a freeze.
Protect exposed pipes
Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics and garages, and seal gaps that let cold air in — without blocking required ventilation or combustion air. Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through it. On very cold nights, open sink cabinet doors on outside walls so warm air can reach the pipes (move cleaning products out of kids' reach).
If you use heat cable or heat tape, only use a listed product made for your pipe material, and follow its instructions exactly. PEX handles freezing better than rigid pipe, but no pipe is freeze-proof.
Take care of outdoor faucets
Disconnect and drain garden hoses. If your outdoor faucets have an indoor shutoff, close it and drain the line. Faucet covers add a little extra protection.
Keep the heat on
The Red Cross recommends keeping the heat at 55°F or higher when you're away — though pipes in unheated spaces can still freeze. During a hard freeze, letting a faucet on an exposed line drip slightly can help. Going out of town? Have someone check on the house.
If a pipe is frozen but not leaking
If a faucet only trickles on a freezing morning, a pipe may be frozen. If you can reach the frozen section safely and it isn't leaking or near electrical hazards:
Leave the faucet open.
Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, an electric heating pad or a space heater used according to its instructions and kept away from water and anything flammable.
Start near the faucet and work back until full pressure returns.
Watch for leaks as it thaws — damage often doesn't show until water starts moving.
Never use a torch, open flame, propane or kerosene heater. If you can't find or reach the frozen section, or water doesn't come back, call a plumber.
If a pipe has burst
Shut off the main water if you can reach it safely.
Stay away from electrical hazards. Don't walk into water near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel.
Call (803) 781-4357. Emergency plumbing service is available 24/7.
Protect your belongings if it's safe, and take photos for your insurance.
Arrange drying and water cleanup with a restoration company. Don't turn the water back on until the pipe is repaired.
If the ceiling is sagging, stay out of the room.
After the freeze
Check the full length of any pipe that froze for drips or cracked fittings. Then fix what let it freeze — insulation, air sealing or rerouting a vulnerable line. If your home has had repeated freeze damage, it may be worth talking about a repipe.
Frozen or burst pipe? On Call's licensed plumbers provide 24/7 emergency plumbing across Columbia and the Midlands, and we've been family-owned since 2011. Call (803) 781-4357. For non-urgent help insulating or protecting pipes before winter, request service online.
