Frozen pipes in North Carolina: what to do and how to prevent them

Triad winters are mild most of the time, which is exactly why a hard freeze catches people off guard. Pipes in crawlspaces, exterior walls, garages and attics are the most at risk.

Signs a pipe is frozen

• A faucet gives a trickle or nothing at all on a very cold morning
• Frost on an exposed pipe
• One fixture works and another nearby doesn't

How to thaw it safely

1. Open the faucet the pipe feeds, so melting water has somewhere to go.
2. Warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer, a heating pad or warm towels, starting near the faucet and working back.
3. Never use an open flame, a propane torch or a charcoal heater.
4. Keep checking for leaks as it thaws. A split pipe often doesn't leak until the ice melts.

If you can't find or reach the frozen section, call a plumber.

If a pipe bursts: shut off the main water valve right away, open a faucet to drain the lines, switch off power near any water, and take photos for insurance. Then get a plumber.

Prevent the next one

• Insulate exposed pipes in the crawlspace, garage and attic
• Close crawlspace vents and foundation openings before a hard freeze
• Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots
• On the coldest nights, let faucets on exterior walls drip and open the cabinet doors under sinks
• If you'll be away, keep the heat at 55°F or higher