Once winter arrives, frozen pipes are the most frequent and most costly plumbing emergency in the US. In Greensboro, N.C., where cold snaps can descend with little warning, knowing how to prevent and deal with frozen pipes is not just a convenience but also something of an imperative. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greensboro, we’ve witnessed firsthand the destruction that can result from frozen pipes, from bursting water lines to extensive property damage. With over four decades of plumbing experience spanning the entire Mr. Rooter franchise and a brand new location in Greensboro filled with licensed professionals, we offer home maintenance tips to keep your family safe this winter.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Concern
Frozen pipes can seriously damage your home and foundation. Water expands when it freezes, putting tremendous pressure on the pipe walls. The pressure is so powerful that even the strongest materials, copper or PEX, can burst. When the ice melts, the pipe is frequently weakened behind the freeze, which can burst and cause flooding, property damage, and high repair costs.
Variable winter temperatures in Greensboro have compounded the risk of bad weather, which has been full of mild afternoons followed by freezing nights, making pipes especially vulnerable. Homes with outdated plumbing, poor insulation, or the presence of an outdoor line are at even higher risk. However, house fires are more than a financial burden; they tear apart families, destroy possessions, and can make a home unlivable if not addressed immediately.
At Mr. Rooter, we see an uptick in frozen pipe emergencies annually. Many could have been prevented with the proper precautions. We are doing our part to help educate homeowners and are taking the time needed to pass on best practices with reach in our community.
Common Causes of Frozen Pipes in Greensboro
Understanding the root causes of frozen pipes is the first step toward prevention. In our work across the Triad area, we frequently identify these contributing factors:
- Exposed Pipes – Piping in unheated areas, such as a crawl space, garage, attic, or exterior wall, is at the highest risk of freezing.
- Lack of Proper Insulation – Many of the older homes in Greensboro were not built with insulated pipes, which exposes the plumbing during temperature drops.
- Sudden Temperature Drops – Even though North Carolina's winters are milder than those in northern states, overnight rapid freezes have everything it takes to freeze pipes quickly.
- Low Water Flow – If the pipes are not in use, such as when a home is unoccupied during the winter or other periods of non-use, water can flow more slowly or even stagnate.
For example, a local family contacted us after a vacation to find that multiple water lines had frozen in their basement. It was an empty home, and the thermostat was set low to save energy, but as a result, pipes froze and burst. The cleanup cost from this fiasco was thousands of dollars. Situations like this are why it’s so imperative to be prepared.
Signs That Your Pipes May Be Frozen
Catching frozen pipes early can minimize damage. Homeowners should be aware of the following signs:
- No Water Coming Out of the Tap – If you turn on your faucet and there’s no water coming out or just a trickle, chances are you have a frozen pipe problem.
- Frost on Pipes – If you can see frost or ice on the outside of your pipe, that is a significant warning sign.
- Strange Smells – Drains or faucets emitting foul odours could indicate a partial blockage due to freezing.
- Bulging Pipes – Water growth in the pipe can cause visible bulges or cracks.
One of our customers in Greensboro called us once when they smelled something faint coming from the kitchen sink one morning after a particularly frigid night. The line was partially frozen when we checked it, and all the air and water were blocked. We were fortunate to catch the issue in time, or else it could have been far worse, like a burst pipe.
Practical Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Preventing frozen pipes from reacting to expensive renovations is just a matter of taking consistent, practical steps anyone can take. Here are the key prevention strategies, based on our professional experience and industry best practices:
- Keep Water Flowing: Water should flow or run slowly so that when it freezes outside, the pipes do not freeze up. The mere water flow will release the pressure building up inside the pipes. This is a simple, inexpensive way to keep water moving and prevent ice from blocking it.
- Adequate Heating: Never turn down your thermostat below 55°F when you go out for long periods. We have often found that lowering the heat can be a cost-effective way of avoiding repairs and damage to your water system.
- Cover Exposed Pipes: Invest in foam pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape. Cheap insulation is frequently the first line of defense in crawl spaces or basements.
- Seal Your House Against Drafts: Unsealed cracks and gaps let in frigid air, which can cause the temperatures in your pipes to drop. Sealing around windows, doors, and foundations is a preventive measure that improves energy efficiency.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Open or unclose cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air in the house to get into the pipes, lowering the risk of freezing in kitchens and bathrooms.
Emergency Measures to Take if Pipes Freeze
Despite the best precautions, pipes can still freeze. If so, it is vital to take positive and safe steps:
- Turn off the Main Water Supply – This will stop water from flowing when the pipe is unfrozen.
- Apply Gentle Heat – Thaw the pipe slowly using a hair dryer, heat lamp, or towels. Do not use an open flame or blowtorch.
- Call a Licensed Plumber – A Greensboro plumber with an appropriate license, like Mr. Rooter, has the proper tools and training to thaw your pipes and address any resulting damage safely.
A client living in the 27405 ZIP code contacted us during a cold spell last winter, as his outdoor hose bib was frozen solid. They stopped the water, called a professional, and prevented real damage.
Professional Pipe Insulation and Repair Services in Greensboro
While DIY solutions might be enough for some projects on your to-do list, hiring plumbing experts ensures long-term security and reliability. Our Greensboro licensed plumbing services include:
- Pipe Insulation – We provide Custom insulation for exposed pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
- Frozen Pipe Repairs – We quickly fix frozen pipes and any resulting damage.
- Video Camera Inspections – State-of-the-art tools to locate & assess hidden pipe problems.
- Emergency Plumber – Service with no extra charge for same-day or next-day appointments.
Our licensed staff, including a Master Plumber, uses quality materials and proven methods to give homeowners peace of mind that their repair will last. Our work is also backed with guarantees, so you know that our method of frozen pipe repair will stand the test of time rather than be a quick fix.
Local Expertise and Commitment to Greensboro
We care about the Greensboro community. Although our franchise has just started operating in this area, we bring Mr. Rooter's good name and practical knowledge gained from serving homes throughout North Carolina. Our five plumbers and office staff are residents who understand the difficulties posed by climate and housing in Greensboro.
We deliver punctual service, transparent pricing, and lasting results while guaranteeing our work with our Neighborly Done Right Promise. We keep up with industry trends by taking more continuing education courses and adopting innovations such as AI-driven appointment scheduling. We’re also excited to introduce well pump services soon, expanding how we can serve our neighbors.
FAQs About Frozen Pipes in Greensboro
Q: At what temperature do pipes freeze in Greensboro?
A: When the temperature drops, the risk of freezing starts at 32 degrees, though pipes are more likely to freeze when temperatures fall below 20 and stay that way for several hours.
Q: Do I have to turn off my water when I leave town in the winter?
A: Yes. The best way to avoid frozen and burst pipes while away is to shut off your main water supply and drain the system.
Q: Do tankless water heaters freeze?
A: Yes. Tankless models in garages or other outdoor locations are the most at risk. Professional installation with the correct amount of insulation is a must.
Need to Protect Your Home Before Winter Strikes
Preventing frozen pipes is all about preparation, awareness, and knowing when to call in the experts. Winters in Greensboro can be unpredictable, but with the proper steps, you can protect your home and avoid the stress of plumbing emergencies.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greensboro, we believe in combining local knowledge with national resources and best practices to provide homeowners in the area with unmatched plumbing services and peace of mind. No homeowner should struggle when needing preventive insulation, emergency frozen pipe repair, tips on upgrading the plumbing system, or any other service we are available to help around the clock.
Contact us today for an appointment and prepare your home or business plumbing for winter.
