Tampa Bay, FL rarely sees temperatures drop below freezing — but when they do, unprepared pipes can burst and cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Fix It Today Plumbing has responded to hundreds of emergency pipe burst calls in Tampa, Brandon, and Riverview after cold events, and we want to help you avoid becoming one of them.
Why Tampa Bay Pipes Are Especially Vulnerable
Unlike homes in northern states, Florida homes are typically not built with insulated pipe runs. Water supply lines often run through exterior walls, under-slab, or through unconditioned spaces like garages and attics — leaving them exposed when temperatures dip below 32°F.
5 Steps to Protect Your Tampa Bay Pipes
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is. In an emergency, turning off water immediately is the #1 most important action.
- Insulate exposed pipes in garages, attics, and exterior walls with foam pipe wrap (available at any hardware store).
- Keep interior temperature above 55°F even if you're away.
- Let faucets drip during freeze warnings — moving water resists freezing.
- Disconnect garden hoses — water trapped in the connection point can freeze and crack the faucet body.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
Turn off the main water shutoff valve immediately. Then call Fix It Today Plumbing at 813-743-7793 — we provide 24/7 emergency response throughout Greater Tampa Bay with an average 4-hour arrival time.