Don’t Let Florida’s Cold Snaps Catch You Off Guard: Your Complete Guide to Preventing Frozen Pipes

While Florida is known for its sunshine and warm weather, overnight cold snaps can bring temperatures down quickly, especially in the Panhandle, and when it happens, the frigid temperatures can catch residents off guard. Last month’s arctic blast sent our temperatures plummeting into the low 20s for three nights in a row (with an all-time low of 18 degrees, which they’re calling a once-in-a-century event here in Northwest, FL). Even more concerning, it doesn’t take much time for fire protection piping to freeze—just a few hours of sub-freezing temperatures can be enough, especially for pipes that are exposed or located in unheated areas.

Why Florida Homes Are Particularly Vulnerable

Florida homes in our area aren’t always constructed with this weather in mind. Because of normally mild temperatures, Florida homes often lack adequate heating and insulation. Because freezing temperatures are so rare here, Florida homeowners don’t usually worry about about plumbing issues caused by cold weather. Our neighbors to the north are more accustomed to these problems, and often follow a yearly checklist to limit the chances of a disaster.

In Florida, the risk is higher in homes with outdoor plumbing or pipes in unheated areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, or garages. Because these pipes are often not insulated, even a brief cold snap can lead to problems. When temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes can freeze and burst, regardless of whether they are made of plastic or copper.

The Costly Reality of Frozen Pipes

The financial impact of frozen pipes can be devastating. According to 2023 State Farm claims data, the company received more than 17,200 claims related to frozen pipes, paying more than $432.5M, with the average claim just over $23,500. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, increasing pressure and potentially causing the pipe to burst. The result? Costly repairs, water damage, and disruption to your daily life.

Essential Prevention Steps for Florida Homeowners

Keep Water Moving

A trickle of water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight when temperatures are cold, preferably from an indoor faucet on an outside wall. When forecasts call for sustained and/or severe freezing temperatures, run a thin trickle of water from the faucet furthest from the water line coming to your house. Allowing the water to circulate through your home’s plumbing helps to keep it from freezing.

Insulate Vulnerable Areas

Because exposed pipes are more susceptible to freezing, pipe insulation in your home’s crawl spaces and attic may help even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Pipes located in unheated areas of your house, such as a garage or crawl space under the house or in the attic, are subject to freezing. If you have time to do this before freezing temperatures arrive, wrap these pipes with insulation materials made especially for this purpose.

Maintain Interior Temperature

Keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night may help prevent frozen pipes. Maintain a steady indoor temperature of at least 55°F, even if you’re away. This helps keep the water in your pipes from freezing.

Open Cabinet Doors

This allows heat to better get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls. The closed-off spaces under counters or inside cabinets that hide these pipes can be significantly colder than the rest of your home. By opening up cabinets and allowing warm air to circulate, you can increase the temperature of the pipes by a few critical degrees and prevent frozen and cracked pipes.

Protect Outdoor Plumbing

Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This may help prevent freezing of the short span of pipe just inside the house. Detach all hoses from faucets and allow them to drain. This action guards against the water in the hose or pipe from freezing and bursting the faucet or pipe to which it is connected.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

If you suspect frozen pipes, act quickly. Turn Off the Water Supply Shut off the main water valve to prevent additional water from flowing into the frozen area. This reduces the risk of a burst pipe. Gently Warm the Pipe Use a hair dryer, warm towels, or a space heater to gradually thaw the pipe. Avoid open flames or high heat, as they can damage pipes or create safety hazards.

Professional Help When You Need It

When Florida’s unexpected cold snaps strike, having a reliable local plumber makes all the difference. For residents in the Tampa Bay area, finding a trusted Plumber Pasco County, FL is essential for both emergency repairs and preventive maintenance.

ATA’S Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company having years of experience in all types of plumbing services serving both residential and commercial clients in the Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Our commitment to providing high-quality plumbing services at affordable pricing has made us one of the preferred and trusted plumbers in the Florida area. If it is an emergency, ATA’S plumbing will send a plumbing technician to your residential and commercial property immediately.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Luckily, with a few easy prevention steps we successfully kept our pipes from freezing! Many people we know had an issue with a pipe or two bursting – so we’re extremely grateful that the steps we took kept ours protected. Some consider this a waste of water but the cost of the water used is extremely slight compared to repairing broken pipes and the resulting water damage.

Remember, these severe cold outbreaks occur in Florida at least once a year. Being prepared isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your home and avoiding thousands of dollars in potential damage. Take these preventive steps seriously, and when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber who understands Florida’s unique climate challenges.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant during cold weather warnings, you can keep your pipes flowing smoothly through Florida’s occasional winter surprises. After all, a little preparation today can save you from a major headache tomorrow.