Surviving the Rare Florida Freeze: A Space Coast Guide to Protecting Your Water Pipes
Brrrr! When that unexpected Florida freeze hits Melbourne and surrounding Brevard County, most of us are caught off guard. I mean, we signed up for hurricane prep, not frozen pipe problems! With temperatures dropping to unusual lows, protecting your home’s plumbing suddenly becomes a top priority for those of us who typically worry more about sunscreen than insulation.
As a Melbourne resident myself, I know we’re just not equipped for these rare cold snaps. So let’s break down exactly what you need to do when the weatherman starts throwing around those dreaded “hard freeze” warnings on the Space Coast.
Why Floridians Need to Worry About Frozen Pipes
Unlike our northern neighbors, our homes weren’t built with serious freezing temperatures in mind. Our water pipes often run through uninsulated spaces and sit closer to exterior walls, making them vulnerable when temperatures plummet below freezing for extended periods.
When water freezes inside pipes, it expands and creates pressure that can crack or burst pipes. And trust me—coming home to an indoor swimming pool is not the Florida water experience you’re looking for!
Simple Steps to Protect Your Pipes During a Brevard County Freeze
Here’s your Melbourne-specific game plan when temperatures take that rare dip:
- Keep faucets dripping – Allow both hot and cold water to drip overnight when temperatures drop below freezing. Even a small trickle can prevent pipes from freezing.
- Open cabinet doors – This lets warmer room air circulate around plumbing, particularly in kitchen and bathroom cabinets against exterior walls.
- Maintain consistent heat – Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature both day and night. Yes, this might bump up your FPL bill a bit, but it’s cheaper than emergency plumbing repairs!
- Seal up leaks – Check around windows, doors, and where pipes enter your home for cold air leaks. Use caulk or weather stripping to keep the cold air out.
- Disconnect outdoor hoses – Remove and drain garden hoses, and if possible, shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outdoor faucets.
Melbourne-Specific Freeze Protection Tips
Living in Brevard County means we have some unique considerations:
- Pool equipment protection – Keep pool pumps running during freezing temperatures to prevent damage.
- Irrigation systems – Turn off automatic sprinkler systems during freezes. For serious cold snaps, consider draining the system if you know how (or call a professional).
- Outdoor shower concerns – If you have that beachside outdoor shower, make sure to drain it completely and shut off its water supply.
What If Your Pipes Do Freeze?
If you turn on the faucet and only get a trickle during or after a freeze, you likely have a frozen pipe. Here’s what to do:
- Keep the faucet open – Running water through the pipe will help melt ice.
- Apply heat to the frozen section – Use an electric heating pad, hair dryer, or portable space heater. Never use open flame devices!
- Continue until full water pressure returns.
- Check all faucets – If one pipe freezes, others may have frozen too.
If you can’t locate or thaw the frozen section, pipes have already burst, or you’re not comfortable handling it yourself, it’s time to call a local Melbourne plumber.
| Temperature Range | Risk Level | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 33-36°F | Low | Monitor weather, insulate exposed pipes |
| 28-32°F | Moderate | Drip faucets, open cabinets |
| Below 28°F | High | All precautions necessary, consider professional help for vulnerable systems |
When to Call the Professionals
Sometimes DIY just doesn’t cut it. Consider calling a Brevard County plumber if:
- You can’t access or identify frozen pipe sections
- You have frozen pipes in difficult-to-reach areas
- You discover a burst pipe (shut off your main water valve immediately!)
- You need help winterizing pool equipment or irrigation systems
I recommend keeping a local plumber’s contact information handy before the cold weather hits. Nothing’s worse than frantically searching for help while water is spraying everywhere!
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
One of the things I love most about our Melbourne community is how we come together during unusual weather events. If you have elderly neighbors or know someone who might need help preparing their home for a freeze, consider checking in on them.
Remember, these freezing events are rare for us Space Coast folks, so a little community support goes a long way. Share your freeze protection knowledge with newer Florida residents who might not have experienced our occasional cold snaps before.
Stay Warm, Stay Dry, Stay Connected
Unusual weather events are part of Florida life. From hurricanes to the occasional freeze, being prepared is key to protecting your home and keeping your family comfortable.
Have you experienced frozen pipes in Melbourne before? What worked for you? Share your stories and tips with your neighbors—we’re all in this unusual Florida freeze together!
Stay warm and stay safe, Melbourne friends!
Source: Cocoa Police