While Florida is known for its warm weather, freezing temperatures can and do hit the Tampa Bay area during winter cold snaps. When temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, unprotected pipes in your home can freeze, expand, and burst, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage and emergency plumbing repairs.
At Fix It Today Plumbing, we see a spike in burst pipe calls every winter season. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your home.
Why Pipes Freeze in Florida
Florida homes are vulnerable because they are designed for warm weather, often featuring pipes in attics, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls with little to no insulation. Vulnerable areas include outdoor hose bibs, sprinkler lines, and water supply lines in unheated garages.
Prevention Strategies
- Insulation: Use foam pipe insulation sleeves on all exposed pipes.
- Air Circulation: Open cabinet doors under sinks located on exterior walls to allow warm air to reach the pipes.
- Water Movement: Let faucets drip slowly during freezing nights to keep water moving.
- Outdoor Prep: Disconnect and drain garden hoses; cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers.
- Temperature Control: Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, even when away.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
If you experience low water pressure, you likely have a frozen pipe.
- Thawing: Never use an open flame. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or towels soaked in warm water to apply gentle heat while keeping the faucet open.
- Burst Pipes: If a pipe bursts, immediately shut off your main water supply valve and contact professional emergency plumbing services.