❄️ Frozen Pipes at the Beach? It Happens More Than You Think. 🌊
When temperatures dip below freezing in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, plumbing problems can show up fast—especially in coastal homes built on pilings or with exposed piping. One cold night is all it takes to cause burst pipes and costly water damage. A little preparation goes a long way.
Here’s how to protect your pipes during a cold snap:
🚰 Inside the Home
• Let faucets drip on exterior walls (a steady drip keeps water moving)
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
• Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F—even if the home is vacant
• If leaving town, shut off the main water supply and drain the lines
🏠 Under the House (Common in Beach Homes)
• Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation
• Disconnect hoses and cover outdoor hose bibs
• Block wind under the house—coastal wind increases freeze risk
• Use UL-rated heat tape where needed (never overlapping, GFCI only)
🌴 Coastal Trouble Spots
• Outdoor tankless water heaters must stay powered on for freeze protection
• Irrigation systems and backflow preventers should be shut off and drained
• Most freeze damage in pier-and-piling homes happens underneath the house
🚨What NOT to Do
• Don’t use open flames or space heaters under homes
• Don’t shut off water without draining pipes
• Don’t assume “it never freezes here”
A few simple steps now can prevent thousands of dollars in damage later.
Call Alder Plumbing if you need an expert.
