Forsyth County Officials Offer Steps to Prevent and Respond to Burst Pipes

A deep freeze that moved through Forsyth County on January 20 left many homeowners facing the risk of frozen or burst pipes, prompting county building officials and local utilities to issue practical guidance for prevention and response. The event exposed vulnerabilities in older and poorly insulated homes and highlighted the potential for costly water damage during extreme cold.

Officials emphasized straightforward preventive steps homeowners can take before and during deep cold. Insulating exposed pipes, particularly those in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, attics and exterior walls, reduces the chance of freezing. Residents were advised to leave faucets dripping during prolonged subfreezing temperatures to keep water moving and to open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm house air to circulate around plumbing. When leaving home for extended periods during a cold snap, set thermostats to a safe minimum to maintain interior temperatures above freezing.

If pipes do freeze, officials outlined safe response actions recommended by building inspectors and utility staff. Homeowners should follow safe thawing techniques suggested by local authorities and avoid methods that could cause additional damage. When a pipe has burst, stop the flow of water by closing the home’s main water shut-off valve, then open faucets to drain remaining water and reduce pressure in the system. After controlling the immediate leak, contact a licensed plumber to make repairs and restore service.

Forsyth County building officials and utility representatives also advised residents on next steps for recovery when damage occurs. File claims with homeowners insurance as soon as possible and consult your insurer about coverage for water damage and emergency repairs. County housing and social services offices can point residents to financial assistance options if severe damage creates an immediate hardship. Keep records of repairs and any emergency expenditures to support claims and assistance requests.

The freeze underscores the broader public policy implications for property resilience and emergency preparedness in Forsyth County. Consistent enforcement of building codes that require adequate pipe insulation and homeowner outreach about simple winterization steps can reduce future incidents and costs. For now, residents should locate their main shut-off valve, review winter-prep measures, and follow guidance from Forsyth County building officials and local utilities to minimize risk and speed recovery from frozen or burst pipes.