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How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Florida: A Complete Homeowner's Guide
- Cameron Key
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
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 frozen pipes are almost entirely preventable with the right preparation.
Why Do Pipes Freeze in Florida?
Florida homes are particularly vulnerable to freezing pipes because most residential plumbing was designed for warm weather. Unlike homes in northern states, Florida homes often have exposed pipes in attics, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls with little or no insulation. When an unexpected cold front pushes temperatures into the 20s or low 30s, these exposed pipes are at serious risk.
Pipes most vulnerable to freezing include outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines, pipes running through uninsulated attics or crawl spaces, pipes in exterior walls, and water supply lines in unheated garages.
How to Protect Your Pipes Before a Freeze
The best defense against frozen pipes is preparation. Start by insulating all exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation sleeves, which cost just a few dollars per foot at any hardware store. Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate around the pipes. Let faucets drip slowly during freezing nights to keep water moving through the pipes.
Disconnect and drain outdoor garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets with insulated faucet covers. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, even when you are away from home.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out during cold weather, you likely have a frozen pipe. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. Instead, apply gentle heat using a hair dryer, heating pad, or towels soaked in warm water. Open the faucet so water can flow as the pipe thaws.
If you discover a burst pipe, immediately shut off your main water supply valve and call Fix It Today Plumbing at 813-743-7793 for emergency repair service. We offer 24/7 emergency response throughout Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, and Hillsborough County.
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