Frozen Pipe Repair & Prevention in Asheville, NC

Why mountain homes freeze

Many houses around Asheville sit over vented crawl spaces, and some are on hillsides where one side of the foundation is exposed to wind. Pipes running through those spaces, or along exterior walls on the cold side, can freeze even when the daytime high is above freezing.

Thawing a frozen line

Open the faucet the pipe feeds, then warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, a heater kept well clear of anything that can burn, or warm towels. Start near the faucet and work back. Never use a torch or open flame under a house.

After a split

A pipe that bursts may leak only once the ice melts. Watch closely as water starts moving again, and close the main immediately if you see or hear a leak. Split pipe needs a section replaced, not tape.

Preventing it

Insulate crawl space pipes, close or cover crawl space vents in winter, seal gaps where pipes enter the house and consider heat cable on the worst runs. Disconnect hoses so outdoor taps can drain.

Second homes and rentals

Mountain cabins and short-term rentals that sit empty need the heat left on at a safe setting, or the water shut off and the lines drained. A freeze in an empty house can run for days before anyone notices.

Getting help

Tell the plumber which faucets are dry, where the pipes run and whether any water has escaped. Send a request and a plumber will get in touch.

Know your weak spots

Every house has a pipe or two that freezes first. If you know yours, give it extra protection on the coldest nights, such as an open cabinet door, a dripping faucet or a safe heater nearby.