How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Georgia
A few minutes of prep before a cold snap can save you thousands. Here's what actually works in West Georgia homes.
Georgia only sees a handful of hard freezes most winters, which is exactly why they cause so much damage. Many homes here have plumbing in vented crawl spaces, unheated garages, attics and exterior walls with little or no insulation. When temperatures drop into the low 20s or teens, especially for more than a night, those pipes can freeze and split.
Rule of thumb: start protecting pipes when the forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-20s or below, or below freezing for several hours in a row. Wind makes it worse, especially in vented crawl spaces.
Know where your pipes are at risk
Crawl spacesOpen vents let freezing air blow across supply lines
Exterior wallsKitchen and bathroom sinks on outside walls
Attics and garagesUnheated spaces with water lines or water heaters
Outdoor spigotsHoses left connected trap water in the line
Before winter
- Insulate exposed pipes in the crawl space, attic and garage with foam pipe sleeves (inexpensive at any hardware store)
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots with foam faucet covers
- Close or cover crawl space vents for the winter if your home has them (open them again in spring unless the crawl space is sealed)
- Seal gaps where pipes enter the house and around the crawl space door
- Find your main water shutoff and make sure it turns. You don't want to search for it during an emergency.
- Consider heat tape on pipes that freeze repeatedly (follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully)
The night of a hard freeze
- Drip faucetsLet cold and hot water drip slowly from faucets on exterior walls. Moving water is much less likely to freeze, and an open faucet relieves pressure if ice forms.
- Open cabinet doorsUnder kitchen and bathroom sinks, so warm room air reaches the pipes.
- Keep the heat onKeep the thermostat steady, day and night. Don't set it below about 55°F, even if you're away.
- Close the garage doorEspecially if water lines or the water heater are in the garage.
If you're traveling
- Leave the heat at 55°F or higher
- Ask a neighbor to check the house daily during a freeze
- For long trips, consider shutting off the main water valve and draining the lines
- A Wi-Fi leak detector or smart shutoff valve can alert you or shut off water automatically
Insurance note: Many policies cover sudden burst pipes, but claims can be denied if the home was left unheated. Keeping the heat on protects your pipes and your coverage.
Pipes already frozen? See what to do when pipes freeze. Already burst? See burst pipe cleanup.
Frequently asked questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze in Georgia?
Pipes in unprotected areas can start freezing when outdoor temperatures drop to around 20°F, especially overnight or with wind. Pipes in vented crawl spaces and exterior walls are most at risk.
Should I drip hot or cold water?
Drip both on faucets that have both lines, especially on exterior walls. A slow, steady drip is enough.
Should I close my crawl space vents in winter?
If your crawl space is vented, closing or covering vents during winter helps keep freezing air off pipes. Reopen them in spring unless the crawl space has been sealed and dehumidified.
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