Florida isn’t the first place most people think of when it comes to frozen pipes. But homeowners here know that occasional cold snaps do hit, and when they do, plumbing that isn’t built for prolonged freezing can take a real beating. Burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage within minutes, especially in homes where water lines run through attics, crawlspaces, or poorly insulated walls.
If you live in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, or nearby areas, you’re not immune. The rare but real Florida freeze can catch homeowners off guard, especially those with newer homes or remodeling work that may not account for rare cold weather risks. At First Coast Contracting, we’ve seen the aftermath firsthand during winter restoration calls, and we’ve helped homeowners repair and winterize their properties to prevent it from happening again.
Here’s what you should know about protecting your home and plumbing during unexpected cold snaps.
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Understand Why Pipes Freeze in Florida
In colder states, pipes are often buried deeper and insulated as standard practice. Florida homes, on the other hand, typically aren’t built with freezing temperatures in mind. Builders focus on heat and humidity protection, not insulation against freezing. Water lines might be run through vulnerable spots like exterior walls, garages, or attics. When temperatures drop below 32°F for even a few hours, that water can freeze, expand, and rupture the pipe.
The most common freeze-prone plumbing includes:
- Outdoor hose bibs
- Pool supply lines
- Irrigation systems
- Pipes in unheated interior spaces (like garages or utility rooms)
- Pipes in exterior walls without proper insulation
Even PVC pipes, common in Florida construction, can crack when water freezes inside them. The water may freeze overnight and thaw during the day, causing intermittent leaks that go unnoticed until water stains, soft drywall, or warped flooring starts to show.
Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes Before a Cold Snap
Preventing frozen pipes in Florida doesn’t require a major investment. It starts with preparation and a few smart upgrades. Here are the most effective strategies:
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Foam pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive, easy to install, and effective. Focus on plumbing in unconditioned spaces like garages, attics, and under sinks along exterior walls. Even short pipe runs can be vulnerable. Wrap them securely and seal gaps with duct tape or cable ties.
If you’ve had a recent remodel, double-check whether any plumbing was relocated to exterior walls. Insulating those pipes now can save you from major repair costs later.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Cold air can creep in through small gaps and create freezing zones inside your home. Check around windows, doors, and penetrations where plumbing or wiring enters the home. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal cracks and prevent cold drafts from reaching vulnerable pipes.
Attics and crawlspaces are especially important. A cold draft in a crawlspace can lower temperatures enough to freeze exposed pipes, even if the outside temperature doesn’t stay below freezing for long.
3. Open Cabinet Doors on Cold Nights
When temperatures are forecasted to dip, open bathroom and kitchen cabinets to allow warmer indoor air to circulate around plumbing. This simple step can keep pipes from freezing overnight.
Also, consider leaving the bathroom or utility room door open to distribute heat evenly across your home.
4. Let Faucets Drip Slightly
Allowing a small trickle of water to flow through faucets on vulnerable lines can relieve pressure inside the pipe. Moving water is less likely to freeze, and it prevents the pressure buildup that typically causes a pipe to burst.
Focus on faucets fed by pipes that run through unheated areas, exterior walls, or garages. You don’t need a full stream—just a steady drip will do.
5. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor hoses hold water and connect directly to hose bibs that may freeze and split. Disconnect hoses in the fall or before a freeze. Drain them completely and store them in a sheltered place.
If your hose bibs aren’t frost-proof, consider upgrading to freeze-resistant models or installing insulated covers over them. These covers are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores.
6. Protect Pool Equipment and Irrigation Lines
If you have a pool or automatic irrigation system, take steps to shut them down or insulate exposed components during cold weather alerts. Many homeowners forget about pool pumps and sprinkler system valves, which are often unprotected and directly exposed to the elements.
Cover your pool pump with a manufacturer-approved insulated cover or blanket and wrap irrigation valves and backflow preventers with foam insulation or towels secured with plastic sheeting.
Long-Term Improvements Worth Considering
If you’ve dealt with frozen pipes before or simply want to prevent problems during future cold snaps, a few permanent upgrades can make your home much more cold-resistant:
Upgrade Attic and Crawlspace Insulation
Adding or replacing insulation helps stabilize indoor temperatures and reduces the chance of pipes freezing in hidden or hard-to-reach areas. Spray foam insulation is especially effective for sealing attics and crawlspaces, offering both thermal protection and a vapor barrier.
Install Pipe Heating Cables
Electric heat cables or pipe tape can be installed on vulnerable pipes. These systems use thermostats to turn on when temperatures drop. While they’re more common up north, they work well in Florida for garages, exterior walls, or exposed outdoor plumbing. Just make sure to follow safety instructions and check them before each winter season.
Re-route Pipes from Exterior Walls
If you’re planning a remodel or already opening walls for other upgrades, consider relocating pipes away from exterior walls. Running plumbing through conditioned interior walls or under floors instead of attic spaces can make a big difference.
Install Smart Thermostats and Temperature Monitors
Smart thermostats can help you maintain a steady temperature, even if you’re not home. Many offer freeze alerts or let you monitor the temperature of specific zones remotely. Some smart leak detectors can also shut off your water supply automatically if a pipe bursts.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes Anyway
Even with the best preparation, extreme cold can still cause problems. If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, the pipe might be frozen. Here’s what to do:
- Keep the faucet open. As the pipe thaws, water will begin to flow.
- Apply heat gradually using a hairdryer, space heater, or warm towels. Start near the faucet and move toward the frozen section.
- Never use an open flame or blowtorch—this can cause fires or damage your plumbing.
- Check nearby walls, floors, or ceilings for signs of leaks as the pipe thaws. A small crack can leak slowly at first.
If a pipe bursts or you find water damage, shut off your main water supply immediately and contact a professional restoration team. Quick action can minimize damage and reduce repair costs.
Don’t Wait for the Next Freeze to Get Ready
The biggest mistake Florida homeowners make is assuming that cold snaps won’t return. But even one night in the 20s can cause serious damage. Prevention takes less time and money than repair, and many upgrades double as energy efficiency improvements.
If you’ve experienced a freeze-related plumbing issue before, or you’re planning a remodel and want to make your home more weather-ready, First Coast Contracting can help. We offer damage restoration and remodeling expertise, and we understand how to build with Florida’s occasional extremes in mind.
Stay ahead of the cold, protect your home, and avoid costly surprises. A few smart steps today can keep your pipes (and your wallet) safe when the next freeze rolls through.
