How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Charleston Homes This Winter

Charleston winters may be beautiful, but when temperatures drop below freezing, your home’s plumbing system can be at serious risk. Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing problems for homeowners across West Virginia, often leading to costly leaks or even burst pipes. With the right preparation and a trusted local plumber like Al Marino, you can protect your home and prevent emergencies before they happen.

Why Pipes Freeze

Pipes freeze when water inside them cools to the point of turning into ice, expanding and putting pressure on the pipe walls. In Charleston, where winter temperatures can dip into the 20s, this can happen overnight. The most vulnerable pipes are those located in unheated spaces, like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages, or along exterior walls.

Poor insulation, outdoor exposure, and sudden temperature drops all increase the risk. Even a small crack or draft can let in enough cold air to freeze a pipe that would otherwise be safe.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The best defense against frozen pipes is prevention. A few simple steps can make all the difference when cold weather hits:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap pipes in foam insulation sleeves or heat tape, especially those in unheated areas.
• Seal gaps and drafts: Use caulk or weatherstripping to close off openings where cold air seeps in near plumbing lines.
• Keep heat consistent: Don’t turn your thermostat too low at night or when you leave home. Keeping your house above 55 degrees helps maintain steady warmth.
• Let faucets drip: Allowing a slight trickle of water through vulnerable pipes keeps water moving and reduces pressure buildup.
• Open cabinet doors: In kitchens and bathrooms, this lets warm air circulate around pipes along exterior walls.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze or Burst

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, your pipes may already be frozen. Here’s what to do:

1. Turn off the water supply immediately to prevent flooding if the pipe bursts.
2. Open faucets to relieve built-up pressure.
3. Gently warm the frozen section using a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame.
4. Call a professional plumber for inspection and repair. Even if you manage to thaw the pipe yourself, damage may have already occurred inside the line.

If a pipe bursts, act fast. Shut off the main water valve, turn off your water heater, and contact Al Marino for 24/7 emergency pipe repair in Charleston, WV. Quick action can help minimize water damage and prevent further issues.

Professional Pipe Repair & Inspections

Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient; they can lead to hidden leaks, water damage, and mold growth if left untreated. Al Marino provides fast, reliable pipe repair and leak detection throughout Charleston and the surrounding areas.

Our trained, background-checked technicians use advanced tools to locate frozen sections, repair or replace damaged lines, and inspect your plumbing for weak spots before the next cold front moves in. Whether you need minor insulation improvements or a full water line replacement, we handle every job with precision and care.

Schedule Plumbing Service Before Winter

Don’t wait for the first freeze to prepare your home. Scheduling a plumbing inspection with Al Marino before winter gives you peace of mind and helps prevent expensive repairs later.

For over 70 years, Charleston homeowners have trusted Al Marino for dependable plumbing solutions backed by a 100% guarantee or we do it for free. As a family-owned, locally operated company, we’re available for same-day service, upfront pricing, and 24/7 emergency repairs.

Call the Al today or contact us online to protect your home from frozen or burst pipes this season.