WaterWise Plumbing Warns Metro Atlanta Residents About Winter Pipe Freezes

WaterWise Plumbing, a family-owned plumbing company serving metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia, is urging homeowners to prepare their homes for the winter season, as a strong El Niño is expected to bring unpredictable weather patterns to the region. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted a wet and stormy winter for Georgia, with a strong El Niño event likely to continue through January to March 2027.

The company notes that the combination of a wetter, stormier pattern and the possibility of sharp cold snaps arriving on short notice poses a significant risk to Georgia's plumbing infrastructure. According to NOAA, the odds of a historic El Niño event, one that would exceed the strength of every El Niño dating back to 1950, are at 83 percent for the October to December period. The Climate Prediction Center also warned that even during such a strong event, typical El Niño impacts are more likely but not guaranteed.

WaterWise Plumbing highlights the vulnerability of homes in the Southeast, which are generally built for mild winters. Water supply lines often run through vented crawl spaces, unheated garages, attics, and exterior walls, where they have little protection when temperatures fall well below freezing for an extended period. When water freezes, it expands, causing pressure inside the pipe between the ice blockage and the closed faucet, which can lead to a pipe splitting at a point away from the ice itself. Homeowners may not discover the damage until the weather warms and the ice thaws, releasing water into ceilings, walls, floors, or crawl spaces.

To prevent frozen pipes, WaterWise Plumbing recommends several steps for homeowners: - Locate the main water shut-off valve and confirm that it opens and closes. Every adult in the household should know where it is. - Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots and protect exterior hose bibs. - Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, attics, and along exterior walls. - Seal gaps and openings where cold air can reach plumbing, including around crawl space vents and wall penetrations. - During freezing nights, let faucets on exterior walls drip slowly and open sink cabinet doors so warmer indoor air can reach the pipes. - Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature day and night, with the American Red Cross recommending keeping heat set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit when leaving home during cold weather. - For extended travel during a forecast freeze, consider shutting off the main water supply and draining the lines.

WaterWise Plumbing also advises that seasonal precautions are less effective for pipes that are already near the end of their service life. The company provides whole-home repiping for houses where recurring leaks, corrosion, or failing materials make repeated spot repairs an unreliable long-term plan. Common signs that a home may need repiping include frequent pipe leaks, rust-colored water, low or inconsistent water pressure, older galvanized steel piping, and a history of recurring repairs.

WaterWise Plumbing serves residential customers across metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia, with service areas that include Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Acworth, Woodstock, Canton, Roswell, Austell, Mableton, Douglasville, Hiram, Dallas, Villa Rica, Temple, Carrollton, Bremen, Newnan, Peachtree City, and Cartersville. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing service, available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Homeowners can reach WaterWise Plumbing at (770) 560-8850 or learn more at WaterWise Plumbing.