Prevent Frozen Pipes

Winterize Your PipesWater Pipe Insulation

Prepare Now!

When temperatures drop, it’s time to protect your water pipes! Cold snaps in North Carolina can damage home plumbing systems. Unprotected pipes can freeze, leaving you without access to water. Even worse, pipes can crack or break causing potential flooding and the need for serious repairs.

Watch our video or read below for some tips to prevent frozen and damaged pipes.

Know where your main shut-off valve is located: If a pipe breaks, you can limit flooding damage by shutting off the valve. It is usually located in the basement, garage or outdoors by the foundation.

Insulate pipes and faucets in unheated spaces: When the temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below, your pipes are more susceptible to damage from freezing. Be sure to add a layer of insulation around your pipes located in unheated garages, attics, basements or crawl spaces

Cover your hot water tank: If your hot water tank is in an area that is unheated, it can suffer damage. Protect it by installing a water heater insulating blanket.

Let your faucet drip: Allowing water to trickle slowly during extreme cold weather keeps pipes from freezing.

Disconnect and drain outdoor water hoses: Detaching the hose keep pipes from freezing and protects your hose bibs. Install an insulated cover over outdoor faucets.

Prevent Frozen Pipes flyer (PDF)

For emergency shut-off of your water meter, call CityLink 311 or 336-727-8000.
Find more info on winter weather preparedness, visit WSFC Emergency Management and ReadyNC.org.

Winter Weather Preparedness & Survival Kits