How to Winterize Your Plumbing in Upstate SC

While Upstate South Carolina doesn't experience the brutal winters of northern states, we do get cold snaps that can wreak havoc on unprepared plumbing systems. As local plumbers serving Central, Clemson, Seneca, Anderson, and surrounding areas, we respond to dozens of frozen pipe emergencies every winter—many of which could have been prevented with simple preparation.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to protect your Upstate SC home from winter plumbing damage.

Why Winterizing Matters in Upstate SC

You might think, "It doesn't get that cold here." But Upstate SC's winter weather creates unique challenges:

• Temperature fluctuations: Rapid swings from 60°F to 20°F catch homeowners off-guard
• Occasional severe freezes: Every few years, we experience extended below-freezing periods
• Homes not built for extreme cold: Many Upstate properties have exposed pipes, minimal insulation in crawl spaces, and other vulnerabilities
• Vacation properties: Unoccupied lake homes and mountain cabins are especially at risk

The Cost of Frozen Pipes

A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour, causing:

• $5,000-$70,000+ in water damage and mold remediation
• Damaged flooring, drywall, furniture, and belongings
• Temporary displacement from your home
• Insurance claims and increased premiums

Prevention is far cheaper and easier than repair.

When to Winterize Your Upstate SC Home

Begin winterizing in late fall (October-November) and maintain precautions through early spring. Pay special attention when:

• Temperatures will drop below 32°F overnight
• Forecasts predict sustained cold for multiple days
• You're leaving home vacant during winter months

Step-by-Step Winterization for Occupied Homes

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Priority areas in Upstate SC homes:

• Crawl spaces
• Attics
• Garages and unheated storage areas
• Exterior walls
• Under kitchen and bathroom sinks on outside-facing walls

How to insulate:

• Foam pipe insulation: Pre-slit foam tubes slip over pipes easily. Available at hardware stores for $1-3 per 6-foot section
• Heat tape/cable: Electric heating cables for extremely vulnerable pipes. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully—improper installation is a fire hazard
• Fiberglass insulation: For crawl spaces, insulating between floor joists helps protect pipes above

2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Before the first freeze:

1. Disconnect all outdoor hoses from spigots
2. Drain hoses completely and store indoors
3. Shut off interior valves supplying outdoor faucets (if available)
4. Open outdoor faucets to drain remaining water
5. Leave outdoor faucets open all winter

Why this matters: Water trapped in outdoor faucets freezes, expands, and can burst pipes inside your walls—a costly repair common in Upstate SC homes.

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Cold air entering through gaps can freeze pipes. Check these areas:

• Where pipes enter walls from outside
• Around outdoor faucet penetrations
• Foundation cracks and gaps
• Crawl space vents and access doors
• Rim joists in basements

Fix with: Spray foam insulation, caulk, or weatherstripping as appropriate.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

During freezing nights, open cabinet doors under sinks, especially those on exterior walls. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.

Safety note: If you have small children or pets, secure cleaning products before leaving cabinets open.

5. Let Faucets Drip

When temperatures drop below 20°F, allow faucets to drip slowly overnight, especially those on outside-facing walls. Running water is much harder to freeze than standing water.

How much to drip: A thin stream, about the width of a pencil lead. Both hot and cold sides if possible.

Cost vs. benefit: The slight increase in water bill is negligible compared to burst pipe repair costs.

6. Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperature

• Keep thermostat at 55°F minimum, even when away
• Don't close off rooms—unheated rooms allow pipes to freeze
• If you lose power during winter storms, open all faucets to drip and drain your system

7. Check Your Water Heater

Winter is hard on water heaters:

• Flush sediment to improve efficiency
• Test temperature & pressure relief valve
• Ensure water heater temperature is set to 120°F (balances comfort and energy efficiency)
• Insulate older water heaters with an insulating blanket

Winterizing Vacant Homes in Upstate SC

If you're leaving your Upstate property unoccupied during winter (common for lake houses, investment properties, or extended vacations), take these additional steps:

Option 1: Maintain Heat (Recommended for Short Absences)

• Set thermostat to 55-60°F minimum
• Open cabinet doors
• Have someone check the property weekly
• Install a smart thermostat with alerts for temperature drops or power loss
• Shut off main water supply and drain faucets if leaving for extended periods

Option 2: Full Winterization (For Extended Vacancies)

If you'll be gone all winter or can't maintain heat:

1. Shut off main water supply at the meter or main valve
2. Drain all water from the system:
   • Open all faucets (highest fixtures first, then work down)
   • Flush all toilets multiple times
   • Drain water heater completely
   • Drain washing machine supply lines
   • Empty dishwasher
3. Add antifreeze to drains and toilets: Use RV antifreeze (NOT automotive antifreeze—it's toxic). Pour into:
   • Toilet bowls and tanks
   • Sink and tub drains
   • Floor drains
   • Washing machine drain
4. Turn off and drain water heater (or switch to "vacation mode" if available)
5. Consider turning off power to water heater and other water-using appliances

Professional service: For peace of mind, many Upstate SC homeowners hire plumbers to perform full winterization. We ensure every step is done correctly.

Special Considerations for Upstate SC Properties

Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell Homes

Lakefront properties in Seneca, Westminster, and surrounding areas face unique challenges:

• Often have exposed crawl spaces with plumbing
• May have outdoor showers or plumbing for boat slips
• Frequently vacant during winter months

Recommendation: Full winterization if vacant, or install freeze alarms and have local plumber on call for emergencies.

Mountain Homes (Walhalla, Mountain Rest Areas)

Higher elevations mean colder temperatures and longer freezes. Extra attention needed for:

• Well pump houses (keep heated or fully insulated)
• Pressure tanks in unheated spaces
• Long driveway water lines

Homes with Crawl Spaces (Common in Upstate SC)

Many Upstate homes have vented crawl spaces. In winter:

• Close foundation vents when temperatures drop below 40°F (reopen in spring)
• Insulate exposed pipes in crawl space
• Consider encapsulating crawl space for long-term protection

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

Despite precautions, pipes can still freeze. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out:

Immediate Actions:

1. Keep faucet open—when ice melts, water needs somewhere to go
2. Locate the frozen section—usually pipes along exterior walls or in unheated spaces
3. Apply gentle heat:
   • Hair dryer (keep moving, don't focus on one spot)
   • Heat lamp or space heater nearby (not too close)
   • Warm towels wrapped around pipes
4. Never use: Open flame, propane torches, or anything that can cause fire/damage
5. If you can't access the frozen area or pipes don't thaw: Call a professional plumber immediately

If a Pipe Bursts:

1. Shut off main water supply immediately
2. Turn off electricity if water is near electrical outlets/appliances
3. Call emergency plumber
4. Document damage for insurance
5. Begin removing standing water if safe to do so

Professional Winterization Services in Upstate SC

At Heinert Plumbing, we help homeowners throughout Upstate SC prepare for winter with:

• Home winterization consultations: We assess your property's vulnerabilities
• Full winterization service: For vacant homes, we drain systems and add antifreeze properly
• Pipe insulation installation: Professional insulation of vulnerable pipes
• Emergency thawing services: 24/7 response for frozen or burst pipes
• Spring re-activation: We safely restart your plumbing system after winter

Winterization Checklist for Upstate SC Homeowners

Before first freeze (October-November):

• ☐ Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages
• ☐ Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
• ☐ Shut off outdoor faucet supply valves
• ☐ Seal gaps around pipe penetrations
• ☐ Test outdoor faucets are frost-free models
• ☐ Flush water heater
• ☐ Check heating system is working properly

During freezing weather:

• ☐ Open cabinet doors under sinks
• ☐ Let faucets drip when temps drop below 20°F
• ☐ Keep thermostat at 55°F minimum
• ☐ Close crawl space vents

For vacant homes:

• ☐ Shut off main water supply
• ☐ Drain all pipes and fixtures
• ☐ Add RV antifreeze to drains and toilets
• ☐ Drain water heater
• ☐ Set thermostat to 55°F or perform full winterization