Why Are My Crawl Space Pipes Frozen?

TLDR

Crawl space pipes freeze because cold outside air flows through vented or poorly insulated crawl spaces, dropping pipe temperatures below 32°F. Signs include low water pressure, frost on pipes, odd smells, or banging noises when you turn on the faucet. To thaw a frozen pipe, run the faucet and apply gentle heat, never open flames. Frozen pipes are usually a symptom of a larger crawl space issue. Frontier can seal vents, add insulation, control moisture, and create a dry, protected crawl space that keeps your pipes from freezing again.

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January is typically the coldest month for Tennessee, Southwest Kentucky, and Northern Alabama. During this time, Tennessee averages winter lows around 28°F, Northern Alabama averages 31–33°F, and Southwest Kentucky often drops to 25–29°F. With these colder temperatures, homes in Tennessee and Southwest Kentucky are especially prone to frozen pipes, particularly in crawl spaces that aren’t sealed or insulated.

 

When you rent a home or apartment, it’s common for your lease to require keeping the thermostat at or above 60 degrees in winter to prevent frozen pipes.

 

Crawl space pipes are a different story because we don’t often see them. It’s easy to forget that the plumbing beneath your floors needs consistent protection and temperature control too.

 

During winter, crawl spaces are often only a few degrees warmer than the outside air. If your crawl space is vented, cold air moves freely across the plumbing, dropping pipe temperatures quickly.

 

Once those pipes reach 32 degrees or below, the water inside begins to freeze and expand. That expansion creates pressure along the pipe walls, and it doesn’t take long for a crack or leak to form.

 

There are ways to tell if your crawl space pipes are frozen without inspecting them yourself. 

Signs that your crawl space pipes have frozen:

• • Water pressure has dropped.
  • Frost or condensation on your crawl space pipes
  • Banging or gurgling noises when you turn on the faucet
  • Unusual smells coming from the drains
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What do I do if the pipes are already frozen?

Nashville.gov provides clear guidance on how to safely thaw frozen pipes. Start by turning on the faucet, because any running water will help melt the ice inside the pipe as you warm the area. Apply gentle heat using safe methods like an electric hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water, and never use anything with an open flame. 

 

If the frozen section is out of reach or you can’t access it safely, turn off the water and contact a licensed plumber for help.

Even though the immediate problem could be solved, it’s important to prevent the issue from coming back during the next freeze.

 

How Do I Prevent my Pipes from Freezing Again? 

 

Your crawl space works as a system, and frozen pipes are usually just one symptom of a larger issue. A vented or poorly insulated crawl space pulls in cold outside air all winter long, making it almost impossible for the pipes beneath your home to stay warm. 

 

Moisture, falling insulation, air leaks, and high humidity all work together to drop temperatures even faster, creating ideal conditions for pipes to freeze again and again. Fixing a frozen pipe solves today’s problem, but preventing it from happening in the future means creating a crawl space environment that stays dry, controlled, and protected year-round.

 

Frontier takes a whole-home approach to stopping frozen pipes at the source. Our team seals open crawl space vents to block out cold winter air, installs a durable CleanSpace® vapor barrier to keep moisture from cooling the space, and adds proper insulation where it’s needed to help maintain consistent temperatures around your plumbing. 

 

If water or humidity is contributing to the problem, we can install a SaniDry™ Sedona dehumidifier or a drainage system with a TripleSafe® sump pump to keep the area dry and stable. 

 

 

Every home is different, so our Design Specialists inspect the entire crawl space, from air leaks to insulation to plumbing exposure, to create a customized plan that protects your pipes and keeps your crawl space healthy year-round.

 

If you’re dealing with frozen pipes or want to prevent them for good, Frontier can help with a free crawl space inspection.

 

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