As the colder months approach, it's essential to ensure your home's plumbing is ready to withstand winter conditions. While North Carolina winters are generally milder than many northern states, the Triangle area still experiences occasional freezing temperatures—particularly overnight and during cold snaps—that can wreak havoc on your pipes. With a few simple preventative measures, you can safeguard your plumbing system and avoid costly winter plumbing emergencies. In this blog, we'll outline expert tips from Element Service Group on how to prepare your plumbing for winter in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding areas.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the most important steps to prevent frozen pipes is insulating any exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as basements, garages, crawl spaces, or attics. Even in the Triangle area where temperatures don't typically stay below freezing for long periods, cold air can easily penetrate these areas during winter nights, causing water in the pipes to freeze and expand, which can lead to cracks or bursts.
Tip: Use foam pipe insulation or heating tape to cover pipes in vulnerable areas. For extra protection, check that all windows and doors in these spaces are sealed properly to prevent drafts. This is especially important for homes in Cary and Apex where newer construction may have plumbing in garage spaces.
2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Water left in outdoor hoses and connected pipes can freeze and expand, potentially causing the hose, faucet, or connected pipes to burst. Before the first freeze in the Triangle area (typically late November or December), disconnect all hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them thoroughly. If your outdoor faucet has a shut-off valve inside the house, turn it off and drain any remaining water from the pipe.
Tip: Consider installing frost-free hose bibs to prevent outdoor faucets from freezing during the winter months. These are particularly useful for Triangle-area homes where we may have warm days followed by sudden cold snaps.
3. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold air can seep through even the smallest gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and plumbing entry points. This can increase the risk of frozen pipes, especially in areas with limited insulation. North Carolina homes, particularly older ones in established Raleigh and Durham neighborhoods, may have gaps that develop over time.
Tip: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps or cracks around entry points where plumbing pipes come into your home. Pay special attention to areas where pipes enter the home from outside walls.
4. Keep the Heat On
Even if you're planning to be away from your Triangle-area home during the winter months, it's essential to keep your heating system running. A common mistake is turning the heat off entirely to save on energy bills, but this can lead to frozen pipes if the interior temperature drops too low—even in North Carolina's relatively mild winters.
Tip: Set your thermostat to at least 55°F while you're away to keep your home warm enough to prevent frozen pipes. For homes with smart thermostats, you can monitor and adjust temperatures remotely. This is especially important during January and February when Triangle-area temperatures are most likely to dip below freezing.
5. Let Faucets Drip During Freezes
On particularly cold nights when Triangle-area temperatures are forecast to dip into the 20s or below, allow faucets to drip slowly—especially those connected to exposed pipes or plumbing that runs along exterior walls. Running water is less likely to freeze, and a small, steady drip can prevent pressure buildup that might otherwise cause pipes to burst.
Tip: Pay special attention to faucets in bathrooms or kitchens on the north side of your home or those connected to pipes in unheated spaces. Even a trickle can make the difference between safe pipes and a costly burst pipe repair.
6. Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater works overtime during the winter to provide hot water for your Triangle-area home. To ensure it operates efficiently, consider having it inspected and flushed to remove any sediment buildup. This helps improve performance, extends the life of your water heater, and ensures you have reliable hot water throughout the winter months.
Tip: If your water heater is located in an unheated space like a garage (common in many Chapel Hill and Apex homes), insulate it with a water heater blanket to improve efficiency and protect it from occasional freezing temperatures.
7. Know How to Shut Off Your Water
In the event of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe, it's crucial to know how to quickly shut off your water supply. North Carolina homes may experience sudden temperature swings that can catch homeowners off guard—knowing where your main shutoff valve is located can save you from significant water damage.
Tip: Locate your main water shutoff valve and make sure it's easily accessible. Label it clearly and ensure everyone in your household knows where it's located and how to use it. Many Triangle-area homes have the shutoff valve in the garage, basement, or near the water heater.
Trust Element Service Group to Protect Your Plumbing
Winter in North Carolina may be milder than other regions, but occasional freezing temperatures in the Triangle area can still cause serious plumbing issues if you're not prepared. At Element Service Group, we specialize in preparing homes for seasonal changes, ensuring your plumbing system is ready to face the challenges of winter. From pipe insulation to water heater maintenance, we provide qualified plumbing services that keep your Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, or Apex home safe and functional throughout the year.
As a veteran-owned company with 16 years of experience serving the Triangle area, we understand the importance of being prepared. That's why we offer 24/7 emergency service—because plumbing problems don't wait for convenient times, especially during winter cold snaps.
If you need assistance preparing your home's plumbing for winter or are dealing with any plumbing issues, contact Element Service Group today at 919-926-1475. We're here to offer reliable service and lasting solutions to keep your plumbing running smoothly, no matter the season.
