Here’s How to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing and Prevent Plumbing Damage

Freezing temperatures are typically the last thing on people’s minds here in the Acadiana region, but the reality is that cold weather can have a major impact on residential plumbing. Homes here in southern Louisiana simply aren’t built with cold weather in mind, making it essential for homeowners to know how and when to protect their pipes to stop them from freezing.

At Pipes & Plugs, we frequently see an uptick in service calls following a major freeze in our area—but frozen and burst pipes are often a preventable problem. Here’s how to protect your home when freezing weather sweeps through New Iberia and Lafayette.

How to Stop Pipes from Freezing

The most crucial step in avoiding frozen pipes is to protect the most vulnerable pipes throughout your home. Insulate any pipes located outdoors or in poorly insulated parts of your home, cover outdoor faucets, let your faucets drip during extreme cold, and ensure you and your family know the location of the shutoff for your home’s main water supply.

Here’s a more complete list of steps to winterize your plumbing during a freeze here in southern Louisiana.

Identify Vulnerable Pipes

The pipes in your home most likely to freeze will be those that are located outdoors or in poorly insulated portions of your home. This includes areas like:

• Attics and crawl spaces
• Garages
• Exterior walls
• Outdoor spigots and irrigation lines

Homes that are raised are likely to have uninsulated pipes underneath them. These are critical to protect during a freeze.

Also, current weather reports for our upcoming cold weather on Jan. 25–26 are predicting winds to blow from the north. This means pipes along north facing walls of your home are likely to freeze faster and should be a priority to insulate.

Cover Outdoor Spigots and Insulate Exposed Pipes

Homeowners can cover outdoor spigots with foam faucet covers. They should also disconnect garden hoses, if relevant.

Inside the home, wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or heat tape. Focus on pipes in the at-risk areas listed above, as these areas are likely to become much colder than the rest of your home.

Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

A slow, steady drip from faucets can help to stop vulnerable pipes from freezing. This is because dripping faucets will keep water moving, just as a river will take longer to freeze than a still pond.

Dripping faucets is even more critical if your home loses heat or power during a freeze.

Open Cabinet Doors

Opening your cabinet doors where pipes are located allows air to circulate around the pipes, potentially preventing overnight freezes.

Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is

Shutting off your main water source can potentially prevent catastrophic plumbing damage (such as burst pipes) in the event that your pipes do freeze. Homeowners should know where the main shutoff valve is located, as well as how (and when) to use it.

Keep Your Thermostat at a Consistent Temperature

Turning your thermostat down too low can raise the risk of pipes freezing. Never set your thermostat below 55 degrees during freezing weather, and consider keeping your home at a constant temperature both day and night to keep heat flowing through your home.

Prepare for Power Outages

Here in New Iberia and Lafayette, it’s not just our plumbing that isn’t built for the cold—much of our electrical infrastructure isn’t either. Power outages are common when freezing weather arrives, and losing power often means your home will start cooling quickly.

Besides preparing your plumbing, make sure phones are charged and your family has a supply of fresh water. If you have a generator, ensure it’s working and fully fueled before the cold sets in.

Why Do Pipes Freeze in Louisiana?

Compared to northern states, our climate is much warmer here in southern Louisiana. Because of this, many homes weren’t designed with harsh winter weather conditions in mind. 

Plumbing may be routed outdoors or have more relaxed insulation standards compared to colder states, leaving them more vulnerable when cold fronts do arrive.

What Temperature Will Freeze Pipes?

While it depends on the location of the pipe and its exposure to the cold, pipes are most at risk of freezing when temperatures reach 20°F or lower, especially if those temperatures hold for several hours. Homeowners should prepare their homes when temperatures as low as 32°F are forecast, however.

Why Preventing Frozen Pipes Matters

Frozen pipes can lead to expensive and disruptive plumbing issues. When water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe from the inside. This can cause cracks or bursts, leading to:

• Water damage to walls, ceilings, and floors
• Mold growth
• Costly emergency plumbing repairs
• Disrupted water service during already stressful weather

Preventive steps are far easier and more affordable than dealing with the aftermath of a burst pipe.

How to Tell If Your Pipes Are Frozen

Frozen pipes aren’t always obvious right away, but there are a few warning signs to watch for. A faucet that produces little water or stops flowing altogether is often the first clue. You might also notice frost forming on exposed pipes, especially in garages or under sinks.

Other signs can include unusual odors coming from drains or faucets, which may indicate ice blocking airflow, or visible bulging along a pipe. If you notice any of these issues during a cold snap, it’s best to take action quickly to avoid a rupture.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If your pipes do freeze, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent significant damage to your home and plumbing.

Shut Off Main Water Supply

If you believe a pipe is frozen or has burst, turn off the main water valve right away to prevent flooding.

Try Safe DIY Thawing Methods (If Accessible)

If the frozen section is visible and reachable, you may be able to gently thaw it using:

• A hair dryer
• Warm towels wrapped around the pipe
• A space heater placed at a safe distance

Never use an open flame or torch, as this can damage pipes and create a fire hazard.

Call a Plumber for Inspection and Repairs

Even if you successfully thaw a pipe and water flow returns, with no bursts or cracks visible, hidden damage may still exist. A professional plumber can check for cracks, leaks, or weak spots and make repairs before a small issue turns into a major one.

Pipes & Plugs Is Here for You!

At Pipes & Plugs, our team is hoping your pipes hold strong throughout the upcoming cold front and the rest of the winter. By following some simple winterization tips, your plumbing will be better prepared to weather the freeze.

That said, frozen pipes aren’t always preventable. If you’re faced with frozen or burst pipes, our team is available for emergency frozen pipe repair services throughout New Iberia and Lafayette. Reach out to our team right away or call (337) 364-2980  if you have plumbing issues during the upcoming cold front!