How to Protect Your Alabama Home During Freezing Weather

We can go from sitting outside in short sleeves to checking the overnight forecast pretty quickly here in Alabama. When a freeze is headed our way, there are a few things I want you to check around the house.

Before real estate, I co-owned a water and fire restoration company. That background is a big reason I send these reminders to clients: a plumbing problem can affect much more than the pipe itself.

Save this checklist so you have it the next time the temperature drops.

A Familiar Birmingham Reminder

Longtime residents will remember the March 12–13, 1993 blizzard and the January 28, 2014 snow and ice event, often called Snowpocalypse. Those were unusual events, but ordinary freezes deserve a little preparation too. You do not need snow on the ground to have vulnerable plumbing.

A Note About This Winter

As of October 19, 2026, NOAA's latest ENSO discussion, issued October 8, reports strengthening El Niño conditions and a strong-to-very strong event likely through January–March 2027. That describes a large-scale climate pattern, not a forecast for a particular Birmingham freeze or snowstorm. Use National Weather Service Birmingham forecasts and alerts when deciding what to do at your home.

Start With Your Water Shutoff

Locate your main water shutoff before you need it. If you do not know how to operate it, ask a plumber to show you. Keep that information with your household emergency contacts.

Going out of town? Ask your plumber whether shutting off and draining the domestic supply is appropriate. Homes with fire sprinklers, water-dependent heating or other equipment need a specific plan. Leave the heat on; the American Red Cross advises at least 55°F when away, though your home may need a higher setting.

Disconnect Hoses and Protect Outdoor Plumbing

Remove garden hoses, splitters and attachments. Where a separate indoor shutoff serves an outside faucet, shut it off and drain the outdoor section as designed. Otherwise, fit an insulated cover securely against the wall.

Include outdoor kitchens, irrigation, pool equipment and showers in your check. Follow each system's winterizing instructions or ask its installer. A cover on one faucet does not winterize everything outside.

Give Vulnerable Pipes Some Attention

Check plumbing in exterior walls, crawlspaces, attics, garages and unheated areas. Look for drafts near pipes and have appropriate insulation or sealing installed without obstructing required ventilation. Ask a plumber about listed heat cable if needed; follow its instructions.

Open sink cabinets to let room heat circulate around plumbing, moving cleaners out of children's and pets' reach. During very cold conditions, a small cold-water trickle at a faucet served by exposed pipes can help. Ask which fixtures need attention in your home, and follow local utility instructions.

Keep heat steady overnight. There is no need to turn the thermostat as high as it will go.

Protect Plumbing in the Garage

If your water heater, exposed water lines or other plumbing are located in the garage, make sure they have appropriate freeze protection. Ask a licensed plumber about insulation and manufacturer-approved options for your equipment.

Never use an oven, grill or outdoor fuel-burning device to heat your home. Keep combustible materials at least three feet from heaters, and turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep. The U.S. Fire Administration's heating guidance is a useful reference.

If Water Stops Flowing or a Pipe Breaks

An unexpectedly weak flow may mean a frozen pipe. Keep the affected faucet open, call a plumber if the frozen area is inaccessible, and never use a flame to thaw plumbing. Gentle warming is only appropriate where access and electrical conditions are safe.

If you see a leak or burst, shut off the water promptly if you can safely do so. Stay away from water near electrical equipment. Call a plumber, document damage and contact your insurer about next steps. Arrange water mitigation when safe; water can reach concealed spaces even after the visible puddle is gone.

Save This for the Next Cold Snap

This is one of those small homeowner tasks that is easy to put off until bedtime, when the forecast suddenly gets your attention. Check supplies and ask questions ahead of time.

If you need a local plumber or restoration contact, send me a message. I can help point you toward a resource for your situation.

New to the area? My Birmingham relocation guide covers more of the details of settling in, and my Buyer Guide explains what to consider when evaluating a home.

These are general preparation tips. Plumbing systems vary; ask a licensed plumber about your home's needs and follow current local weather and utility guidance.