Short answer
Prevent frozen pipes by insulating exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls, closing foundation vents during hard freezes, disconnecting garden hoses, opening sink cabinets on outside walls and letting a faucet drip on the coldest nights. Know where your main shutoff is before the freeze arrives.
Before a cold snap
- Insulate exposed supply pipes with foam sleeves
- Close crawl-space foundation vents for the coldest nights
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets
- Seal drafts where pipes enter exterior walls
- Locate and test your main water shutoff
During a hard freeze
- Let a cold faucet on an exterior wall drip slightly
- Open kitchen and bath cabinet doors on outside walls
- Keep the thermostat steady overnight, even if you're away
- Keep garage doors closed if water lines run through the garage
If a pipe has frozen
If a faucet produces little or no water on a freezing morning, a pipe may be frozen. Open the faucet, then warm the suspected section gently with a hair dryer, working from the faucet back toward the frozen area. Never use an open flame. If the pipe has split, shut off the main water and call a plumber before it thaws.
A Gastonia freeze checklist
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets
- Close crawl-space foundation vents and doors before a hard freeze
- Insulate exposed pipes in the crawl space, garage and attic
- Open sink cabinets on outside walls overnight
- Let a faucet farthest from the main drip, both hot and cold
- Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when away
- Know where your main shutoff is in case a pipe splits
If a pipe is already frozen
If a faucet barely trickles in freezing weather, a pipe is likely frozen. Keep the faucet open and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or a space heater kept at a safe distance, working from the faucet back toward the frozen section. Never use an open flame. If you can't find or reach the frozen section, or you see a split, shut off the main and call a plumber.
When to call a plumber
If the steps above don't solve it, or anything involves sewage, gas, electricity near water or a leak you can't stop, call a licensed plumber. Related help: burst pipe repair in Gastonia, emergency plumbing in Gastonia, pipe repair in Gastonia.
Where this comes up most in Gaston County: Willow Creek, York-Chester, Loray Mill Village, Downtown Gastonia, Forest Heights, Highland, Belmont, NC, Mount Holly, NC. See all Gastonia and Gaston County service areas.
Frequently asked questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Risk rises when outdoor temperatures stay well below freezing for several hours, especially for pipes in unheated, drafty spaces.
Should I close crawl space vents in winter?
Closing them during hard freezes helps protect pipes. Reopen them afterward if your crawl space relies on ventilation for moisture control.
Editorial note: this guide gives general safety and maintenance information for homeowners. It doesn't replace an on-site diagnosis by a licensed plumber. Codes and permit rules can change; check with your local inspections office.