Avoiding Disaster: Tips for Dealing with Frozen Pipes in Southern Homes

As temperatures drop and unexpected cold weather sweeps through the South, Eric G offers essential tips to protect your home from frozen pipes. Many homeowners in warmer climates may not be prepared for the challenges that come with freezing temperatures, but Eric is here to help. He emphasizes the importance of keeping water flowing in your pipes and maintaining a warm environment inside your home to prevent freezing. Additionally, he provides practical advice on how to insulate vulnerable areas, such as crawl spaces and attics, while also warning against the dangers of using unvented heaters. With these tips, homeowners can safeguard their plumbing and ensure their homes remain safe and functional during the cold snap. Eric G. kicks off this midweek show with a warm welcome to listeners, particularly those in the southern regions who may be experiencing rare winter weather. With a focus on preventing and dealing with frozen pipes, he provides actionable advice tailored to homeowners who might be unaccustomed to such frigid conditions. Eric emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all water is flowing smoothly throughout the house, particularly in areas where pipes may not be adequately insulated. He suggests keeping the home heated to a comfortable level, ideally around 75 degrees, to help mitigate the risk of freezing pipes. He further discusses the importance of addressing crawl spaces, which can be particularly vulnerable during cold snaps. Eric advises listeners to close crawl space vents and insulate any exposed pipes, ensuring that warmth is preserved within these critical areas of the home. He also touches on the need to keep water flowing slightly from faucets during freezing temperatures to prevent stagnation and freezing. As the episode progresses, Eric also delves into the dangers of using space heaters in enclosed areas, cautioning against the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards. He provides tips on how to safely manage heat in attics and other less accessible areas while also discussing the potential problems that can arise from improperly thawing frozen pipes. With practical solutions and a friendly tone, Eric guides homeowners through this winter challenge, reinforcing the need for preparedness and awareness as the weather fluctuates. Takeaways: When dealing with freezing temperatures, keep your house warm to prevent pipe freezing. Ensure all outdoor hoses are disconnected before the temperatures drop to freezing. Close crawl space vents and seal them to retain heat and prevent freezing. Let faucets drip slightly overnight to keep water moving and prevent frozen pipes. Check and maintain your plumbing insulation, especially in vulnerable areas like crawl spaces. If pipes freeze, turn off the water and heat the area to thaw them safely. Links referenced in this episode: monumentgrills.com aroundthehouseonline.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Monument Grills To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House. Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show. Mentioned in this episode: Suscribe to our YouTube Channel Want even more home improvement tips, tricks, and insider advice? Subscribe to my YouTube channel @AroundTheHouseEricG for project guides, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes content you won’t hear on the podcast. Don’t miss out—hit that subscribe button today! Around the House YouTube Need Holiday Gift Ideas? Check out our new ones at AroundtheHouseonline.com Looking for quick gift ideas for Christmas or the Holidays? Check out our latest gift guide at https://aroundthehouseonline.com/holiday-ideas/ Around the House Online Gift Ideas