How cold does it have to be for pipes to freeze? Info with cold temps in NC

With another blast of bitter cold headed for North Carolina, it’s a good time to think about whether your pipes could be in danger of freezing.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service show temperatures dropping below 30 degrees this week in both Charlotte and Raleigh.

Whether that’s enough to freeze your pipes really comes down to where they’re located.

Here’s a quick guide on how to protect them, whether dripping faucets actually helps and what to do if your pipes end up freezing anyway.

How cold does it have to be for your pipes to freeze?

Pipes can freeze anytime it’s below 32 degrees, but insulated pipes usually start freezing closer to 20 degrees, according to home improvement website Angi.

If temperatures stay that cold for four to six hours, pipes may burst, Angi says.

Outdoor pipes can freeze in just a few hours around 20 degrees, while indoor pipes may take up to six hours to freeze at that temperature.

How to protect your pipes

You can take these steps to prevent your pipes from freezing, according to Charlotte Water:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas and seal gaps in crawl spaces or basements.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.
• Disconnect garden hoses and unplug lawn sprinkler systems.
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is in case of a burst pipe.
• Keep cold air out of your water meter.
• Heat tape or heat cables can also help protect exposed pipes

You can also wrap your pipes in heat tape or heat cables to prevent them from freezing, according to Home Depot.

Should you leave your faucet dripping to prevent frozen pipes?

Some experts say leaving faucets dripping doesn’t actually protect pipes and can even cause drains to freeze, according to Forbes.

But others argue it helps relieve pressure and keep water moving. Top of Line Plumbing says dripping works by replacing near-freezing water in exposed pipes with slightly warmer water from underground. The company still recommends prioritizing proper heating and insulation in areas like basements, attics and exterior walls.

Contact a professional to learn the best method for your home.

What should you do if your pipes freeze?

If your pipes freeze, you should take the following steps, according to Charlotte Water:

• Slightly open your faucets.
• Shut off your home’s water supply.
• Raise the heat indoors.
• Warm frozen pipes with hot, wet towels.
• Contact a licensed plumber, or your landlord if you’re a renter.

Does insurance cover frozen pipes?

Home insurance may cover frozen pipes if the freeze is accidental, but if you didn’t properly maintain or insulate your pipes, your claim could be denied, according to the N.C. Department of Insurance.

If you’re unsure about your coverage, the department recommends checking with your insurer for more information.

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.