In Central Alabama, winter weather isn’t something we deal with often, which is exactly why it causes so many plumbing emergencies when it does arrive. Sudden temperature drops can catch homeowners and business owners off guard, leading to frozen pipes, burst lines, water damage, and costly repairs that could have been prevented with simple preparation.
At Ace Services, we see it every year across Birmingham. The rare cold snap hits, and plumbing systems that aren’t properly protected quickly become emergency service calls. The good news? A few proactive steps can make all the difference.
Here’s how you can protect your home or business plumbing system before the next freeze.
Disconnect Outdoor Water Hoses
Outdoor plumbing is one of the most vulnerable areas in freezing weather. Leaving hoses connected to outdoor spigots traps water inside the line, increasing the risk of freezing and pipe failure.
What to do:
- Disconnect all hoses from exterior faucets
- Drain them completely
- Store them indoors or in a dry, protected area
This quick task can prevent major damage.
Use Hose Spigot Covers
Foam hose spigot covers are one of the simplest and most affordable winter-protection tools available—and one of the most effective.
Benefits include:
- Protecting outdoor faucets from freezing
- Reducing cold air exposure to interior pipes
- Helping prevent burst pipes inside exterior walls
They’re a small investment that can prevent a big emergency.
Looking for an Affordable Alternative to Hose Spigot Covers?
If you’re looking to protect your outdoor spigots without buying foam covers, you can create a DIY insulation wrap using items you may already have at home:
DIY Insulated Spigot Wrap:
- Wrap the exposed spigot and pipe with old towels, rags, or scrap insulation
- Cover the wrapped area with plastic bags or heavy-gauge trash bags
- Secure everything with duct tape to keep moisture and cold air out
This DIY method won’t be as effective as purpose-built spigot covers, especially in prolonged freezes, but it can provide extra insulation when temperatures drop, at virtually no cost.
For best results, combine DIY wrapping with other winter protection steps like disconnecting hoses, insulating exposed pipes, and maintaining consistent indoor heat.
Insulate Exposed Water Lines
Any plumbing exposed to cold air should be properly insulated—especially in basements, crawl spaces, garages, utility rooms, and commercial buildings.
Be sure to check:
- Pipes near exterior walls
- Crawl spaces and unfinished areas
- Outdoor-accessible plumbing lines
Pipe insulation and heat tape can significantly reduce freezing risks during extreme cold.
Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperatures
When temperatures drop, maintaining consistent warmth inside your home or business is critical.
Helpful tips:
- Keep thermostats set to a stable temperature
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
- Seal drafts and gaps near plumbing areas
- Avoid shutting off heat in unoccupied spaces during cold snaps
Even short periods of extreme cold can cause damage if pipes aren’t protected.
Why Preparation Matters in Central Alabama
Because freezing temperatures are rare in our area, many properties simply aren’t built or prepared for extended cold exposure. When cold weather hits Birmingham and surrounding communities, we often see an increase in preventable plumbing emergencies—not because of severe winters, but because systems weren’t winterized in advance.
A little preparation now can save thousands in repairs later.
Ace Services Is Here When You Need Us
At Ace Services, we proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Birmingham and surrounding areas. Whether you need help winterizing your plumbing system, or responding to a cold-weather plumbing emergency, our experienced team is ready to help.
📞 Call us today or 💻 schedule service online to protect your plumbing system before the next freeze.
Because in Central Alabama, the cold may be rare—but when it comes, preparation makes all the difference. ❄️💧
Ace Services LLC 
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