The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Frozen Pipes in Yadkin County Winters

Introduction

Winter in Yadkin County brings crisp mornings, frosty evenings—and for many homeowners, the risk of frozen pipes. Each year, countless residents experience plumbing damage due to freezing temperatures that cause pipes to burst, leak, or block water flow. What starts as a small freeze can quickly become a major repair costing thousands of dollars.

At Todd Brothers Plumbing, we’ve been helping homeowners in Yadkinville, Winston-Salem, Boonville, Jonesville, and the surrounding areas protect their plumbing since 1978. With decades of hands-on experience in North Carolina winters, we know exactly how to keep your home’s water system safe, efficient, and ready for freezing weather.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from why pipes freeze to step-by-step prevention and what to do if you wake up to no water on a cold morning.

Why Pipes Freeze in North Carolina

While Yadkin County doesn’t see the deep freezes of northern states, we experience sharp cold snaps that can drop temperatures below 25°F overnight. When that happens, unprotected pipes are at risk.

Here’s what’s happening inside your plumbing:

  • Temperature Drops Below Freezing: Water inside exposed or poorly insulated pipes begins to solidify.

  • Expansion Pressure: As water freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the inside walls of the pipe.

  • Burst or Split Pipes: The pressure eventually causes cracks or bursts, especially near joints and fittings.

Even a small split can leak hundreds of gallons of water once temperatures rise and the ice thaws.

High-Risk Areas for Frozen Pipes

Certain areas of your home are far more vulnerable than others. At Todd Brothers, we commonly find frozen pipes in:

  • Crawl spaces and basements with minimal insulation

  • Exterior walls with plumbing running close to cold air

  • Garages or detached buildings where heat isn’t consistent

  • Attics with uninsulated water lines

  • Outdoor spigots and hose bibs

  • Vacant or seasonal homes that aren’t kept warm year-round

Knowing where your weak points are is the first step to prevention.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Yadkin County

Prevention is far easier—and cheaper—than repair. Here are proven steps our experts recommend:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Insulate any visible plumbing in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages. Foam pipe sleeves or heat tape are inexpensive and effective. Pay close attention to bends and joints where heat loss is greatest.

2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Before the first freeze, disconnect all outdoor hoses and install freeze-proof spigot covers. If possible, shut off and drain the outdoor water supply line entirely.

3. Seal Air Leaks

Cold drafts can accelerate freezing. Check around foundation vents, sill plates, and wall penetrations for cracks or gaps. Use spray foam or caulk to seal them tightly.

4. Keep a Steady Temperature

Set your thermostat to at least 55°F, even when you’re away. A consistent temperature keeps water flowing and prevents cold spots in walls.

5. Let Faucets Drip

On extremely cold nights, let a small trickle of water run from faucets connected to exposed pipes. Moving water is much less likely to freeze.

6. Open Cabinet Doors

If you have sinks along exterior walls (especially in kitchens or bathrooms), open the cabinets underneath to let warm air circulate around the pipes.

7. Add Heating in Vulnerable Areas

For pipes in unheated basements or crawl spaces, consider adding a small space heater or heat lamp—safely positioned—to keep the area above freezing.

The Todd Brothers Winter Plumbing Checklist

To make prevention simple, here’s our go-to Winter Plumbing Checklist for Yadkin County homeowners:

✅ Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
✅ Shut off outdoor water lines at the valve.
✅ Install insulated faucet covers.
✅ Wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves.
✅ Check crawl space vents and seal gaps.
✅ Ensure your home stays above 55°F.
✅ Know where your main shut-off valve is located.
✅ Schedule a professional plumbing inspection before temperatures drop.

If you complete these steps before the first hard freeze, your chances of dealing with a burst pipe drop dramatically.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

Even with preparation, unexpected cold snaps happen. If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, here’s what to do immediately:

  1. Turn off the main water supply. This prevents pressure buildup if the pipe bursts.

  2. Open the affected faucet. This relieves pressure and allows water to escape as it thaws.

  3. Apply gentle heat. Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or warm towels to slowly thaw the pipe. Never use an open flame or torch.

  4. Check for leaks. Once water starts flowing again, inspect the pipe closely for drips or cracks.

  5. Call a professional plumber. If you suspect damage or can’t locate the frozen section, call Todd Brothers Plumbing for immediate assistance.

We offer emergency plumbing services throughout Yadkin County to quickly restore water and prevent further damage.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

Over the years, we’ve seen a few common errors that lead to unnecessary damage:

  • Using open flames to thaw pipes: This can cause fires or melt joints.

  • Turning up the heat too late: Once pipes are frozen solid, indoor warmth won’t reach them quickly enough.

  • Forgetting outdoor lines: Garden spigots and irrigation systems are often overlooked.

  • Ignoring slow leaks or drips: Small leaks can freeze faster and lead to bigger problems.

Avoiding these mistakes can save you from thousands in repairs and water damage.

When to Call a Professional

Some situations require more than DIY. You should call a licensed plumber if:

  • The frozen pipe isn’t accessible.

  • You suspect a burst behind walls or ceilings.

  • There’s flooding or water pooling near your foundation.

  • You need insulation or pipe rerouting for long-term protection.

At Todd Brothers Plumbing, we handle everything from frozen pipe repair and replacement to preventative winterization. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to locate blockages quickly and repair damage efficiently, minimizing disruption to your home.

The Cost of Ignoring Frozen Pipes

A single burst pipe can release up to 200 gallons of water per day, leading to:

  • Structural damage to drywall, floors, and insulation.

  • Mold and mildew growth.

  • Electrical hazards.

  • Expensive water bills.

According to insurance data, the average frozen pipe claim exceeds $7,000 —but prevention typically costs less than $300 when handled proactively.

How Todd Brothers Plumbing Helps

Our Yadkinville-based team provides comprehensive winter plumbing services designed to protect your home all season long:

1. Pipe Insulation & Protection

We identify high-risk areas and install professional-grade insulation and heat tape to safeguard your lines.

2. Frozen Pipe Thawing & Repair

Using safe, non-damaging equipment, we thaw frozen lines, inspect for damage, and replace sections if needed.

3. Leak Detection

Our advanced leak detection technology locates hidden cracks or breaks before they cause serious damage.

4. Preventative Winterization

We can winterize entire plumbing systems, including outdoor lines, wells, and irrigation connections.

5. 24/7 Emergency Response

When the unexpected happens, our emergency team is ready. We respond quickly to burst pipes and water leaks to minimize damage and restore service.

Why Choose Todd Brothers Plumbing

Since 1978, Todd Brothers Plumbing has proudly served Yadkin County and surrounding communities with dependable, professional service. As a family-owned business, we’ve built our reputation on honesty, craftsmanship, and customer care.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Decades of Experience: Over 45 years serving North Carolina homes and businesses.

  • Local Expertise: We understand Yadkin County’s unique climate and plumbing needs.

  • Licensed & Insured: Safety and compliance are top priorities.

  • Customer-First Philosophy: We treat every customer like family—because many of them have been with us for generations.

  • Full-Service Capability: From small repairs to complex system overhauls, we do it all.

Our goal is simple: to keep your home’s plumbing system safe, efficient, and built to last through every season.

FAQs About Frozen Pipes

1. How cold does it have to get for pipes to freeze?
Pipes typically start to freeze at 32°F, but uninsulated pipes can begin freezing when temperatures fall below 25°F for several hours.

2. How can I tell if my pipes are frozen?
Common signs include no water from faucets, strange noises in pipes, or visible frost buildup on exposed lines.

3. Can plastic pipes freeze and burst too?
Yes. While PEX and PVC pipes are more flexible than metal, they can still crack under extreme pressure.

4. Should I shut off water if I leave town during winter?
Yes. Always shut off the main supply and drain your pipes if you’ll be away for an extended period during freezing conditions.

5. How quickly can Todd Brothers Plumbing respond to emergencies?
We offer emergency plumbing service throughout Yadkin County, often arriving the same day for urgent issues.

Conclusion

Frozen pipes are one of the most common—and preventable—plumbing problems in Yadkin County. With a little preparation and help from your local professionals, you can protect your home, save money, and avoid the stress of burst lines.

At Todd Brothers Plumbing, we’re here to help you every step of the way—from inspections and insulation to emergency repairs and long-term solutions.

Don’t wait until temperatures drop—call us today at (336) 961-8270 to schedule your winter plumbing inspection and keep your home protected all season long.