Although some people may consider North Carolina winters mild, our winters are certainly cold enough to cause your pipes to freeze.
Raleigh and Fayetteville regularly see temperatures below freezing during winter, making frozen and burst pipes a plumbing hazard for homeowners.
Average Winter Temperatures in Raleigh & Fayetteville
It’s important to pay attention to the forecast so you know when temperatures will dip below freezing. While it can vary from day to day, we have the most days below freezing in January.
Average winter temperatures for Raleigh and Fayetteville, NC, are:
- December: 34 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit
- January: 31 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
- February: 33 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
There are several things you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing in low temperatures:
- Disconnect and store garden hoses.
- Insulate hose bibbs.
- Insulate exposed pipes in your garage.
- Keep your garage door closed.
- Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat to reach pipes.
- Allow faucets to drip to keep water moving through your pipes.
- Keep your thermostat above 55 degrees, even if you’re not home.
What Happens if Pipes Freeze?
In rare situations, even if you do all of the above, your pipes may still freeze. Signs of frozen pipes include:
- Ice on the outside of your pipes
- No water coming out of your faucet
- Whistling or gurgling pipes
When this happens, time is of the essence, as frozen pipes can crack or burst, leading to water damage. If you believe your pipes have frozen, it’s best to start thawing them and call a professional plumber like Comfort First to determine if they have cracked or burst.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
If your pipes freeze, you can take these steps to thaw them and minimize damage to your home:
Shut Off Your Water
To minimize water damage from leaking pipes as they thaw, you should first shut off your water using your home’s main water shut-off valve, which is usually near your water meter.
Turn On Your Faucets
By opening all your faucets, you can relieve pressure in the pipes. This will help get water and air moving through the lines as the pipes begin to thaw.
Apply Gentle Heat to Your Pipes
You can help the thawing process by heating your pipes with a hair dryer, small heater, or warm towels. Never use an open flame on your pipes.
Keep an eye out for any leaks or breaks in your pipes as the ice begins to thaw.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
If you have a pipe that bursts, it can lead to a great amount of water spilling into your home very quickly. If this happens, you should:
- Shut off your home’s main water supply as soon as possible.
- Turn off power to the area near the broken pipe at your electrical panel.
- Move personal items and furniture from the area to minimize water damage.
- Call a professional plumber like those at Comfort First for an emergency pipe repair.
Trust Comfort First for Fast Plumbing Repairs in Raleigh & Fayetteville, NC
Comfort First is here for all your plumbing needs in Raleigh and Fayetteville, especially when time is of the essence.
Our licensed and insured team is highly trained and treats each client’s home with respect and care. We offer upfront and trustworthy pricing so you can know what to expect.
Contact us online to schedule fast and dependable plumbing repairs in Raleigh-Durham or Fayetteville today.
