How to Prevent Burst Pipes This Winter in Savannah, GA

While winters in Savannah, GA, and the surrounding Lowcountry aren't always harsh, cold snaps can still catch homeowners off guard—especially when it comes to frozen or burst pipes. Even a short freeze can cause significant water damage to your home if pipes aren't properly protected.

At Tru Steam Carpet & Upholstery, we know how devastating a burst pipe can be. Whether you're in Rincon, Richmond Hill, Effingham County, or Tybee Island, these six essential tips can help you avoid costly flooding and protect your property this winter.

1. Keep Faucets Dripping in Freezing Temps

When temperatures drop near or below 32°F, allow at least one faucet on each floor of your home to drip slowly. This keeps water moving through the pipes, reducing the chance of freezing.

Focus on faucets located near exterior walls, especially in unheated areas like laundry rooms or garages. Even a small drip can make a big difference when temps dip unexpectedly in Savannah's cooler months.

2. Open Cabinet Doors

In bathrooms and kitchens, open the cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm indoor air to circulate around the pipes. This simple step is especially useful for pipes that are located near outside walls.

Allowing heat to reach these enclosed spaces helps prevent pipe freezing and can be a lifesaver during overnight temperature drops.

3. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes located in crawl spaces, attics, garages, or under the home are more vulnerable to freezing. Wrap them with pipe insulation, foam sleeves, or heat tape—all available at local hardware stores.

This small investment is far less costly than the thousands of dollars in damage a burst pipe can cause.

4. Seal Cracks and Drafts

Cold air seeping into your home through foundation cracks, windows, or door frames can increase the risk of pipe freezing. Use caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping to seal any gaps where cold air could reach plumbing.

Doing a quick inspection each fall or early winter ensures you're protected before freezing weather hits coastal Georgia.

5. Drain Your Pipes If Leaving Town

If you're planning a winter vacation or heading out of town, take the time to drain your water lines to avoid any freezing while you're away.

Steps:

1. Shut off your home's main water valve.
2. Open all faucets and flush toilets to drain any remaining water.
3. Leave cabinet doors open to allow warmth to circulate.
4. Turn the main valve back on when you return.

This is especially important for homeowners in seasonal residences or vacation homes along the coast or in areas like Tybee Island.

6. Consider Heated Tape for Vulnerable Pipes

For pipes that have frozen in the past or are especially at risk, heated tape or wire wrap can be a smart upgrade. These products provide direct heat and automatically turn on when temps fall, helping to prevent freezing before it starts.

If you're unsure which pipes to insulate or treat, Tru Steam can provide guidance or connect you with trusted local partners.

Water Damage Cleanup in Savannah, GA

Despite your best efforts, pipes can still burst—and when they do, every minute matters. Tru Steam Carpet & Upholstery offers emergency water damage restoration services across Savannah and nearby communities like:

• Rincon
• Effingham County
• Guyton
• Richmond Hill
• Bryan County
• Tybee Island
• Hinesville

Our experienced team uses advanced water extraction and drying equipment to remove moisture, prevent mold, and restore your home quickly and safely.

Don't let winter weather catch you off guard. Take preventive steps now—and if the worst happens, know that Tru Steam Carpet & Upholstery is here to help with fast, professional flood restoration services throughout the Savannah area.

Protect your pipes. Protect your home. And trust Tru Steam to clean up the mess when winter doesn't cooperate.