In Southeastern North Carolina, we are spoiled. We often spend Christmas in t-shirts and enjoy 60-degree days in mid-January. But any long-time local in Wilmington or Hampstead knows the danger of the "Coastal Cold Snap."

Because our winter weather is generally mild, many homeowners—especially those new to the area—get complacent. Then, a sudden Arctic front pushes through, dropping temperatures into the low 20s for 48 hours. This is when disaster strikes.

In our region, the danger isn't just the temperature; it’s the wind. A 25-degree night in Topsail Beach with a stiff 20mph North wind cuts through vented crawl spaces like a knife.

Here is how to protect your investment during our brief but brutal freezes.

1. The "Crawl Space" Vulnerability

Unlike homes in the North with basements, most homes in Pender, Brunswick, and New Hanover counties are built on crawl spaces or raised pilings (especially near the water).

The Risk: Your pipes live under your floorboards. If your foundation vents are open during a freeze, the wind chill under your house can freeze your supply lines even if your living room is a cozy 70 degrees.

The Fix: If you do not have a sealed/encapsulated crawl space, ensure your foundation vents are closed or temporarily blocked with foam board during a hard freeze.

For Piling Homes: If your home is on stilts in Wrightsville Beach or Ocean Isle, ensure the insulation around your main water line (the "riser") is intact. The salt air eats away at foam insulation over time, leaving pipes exposed.

2. The Outdoor Shower Trap

The most common burst pipe we see in coastal real estate isn't in the kitchen—it's the outdoor shower.

The Reality: We all love them in July, but we forget them in January. These pipes are often less insulated than the rest of the house.

The Fix: Find the dedicated shut-off valve for your outdoor shower (usually located inside the house or in the garage). Turn it off, then go outside and open the shower faucets to drain the remaining water. Leave them open until spring.

3. Disconnect the Hose (Yes, Really)

It seems simple, but it causes thousands of dollars in damage every year.

The Science: If you leave a garden hose attached to the spigot, water gets trapped inside the faucet assembly. When that water freezes, it expands backward into your wall, splitting the copper pipe inside your home. You often won't realize it's broken until you turn the hose on to wash the car in March—and water starts pouring through your drywall.

The Rule: Disconnect all hoses on January 1st (or sooner). Install inexpensive foam faucet covers (available at any local hardware store) on all exterior spigots.

4. The "Drip" Strategy

If the forecast calls for temperatures below 28 degrees for more than 4 hours, don't rely on insulation alone.

The Trick: Leave the faucet furthest from your main water shut-off valve dripping at a slow trickle (both hot and cold). Moving water is much harder to freeze.

Open the Cabinets: If your kitchen sink is on an exterior wall (common in older Wilmington bungalows), open the cabinet doors to let your home's heat reach the pipes.

5. Know Your Main Shut-Off

If a pipe does burst, speed is everything. Do you know where your main water shut-off is?

In Newer Homes: It’s often in the garage or a utility closet.

In Older Homes: It might be in the crawl space or out at the street in the "meter box" (look for the concrete or plastic lid in the yard).

Your Task: Find it today, while it is sunny and warm. You do not want to be searching for a buried valve in the dark while icy water floods your kitchen.

Protecting More Than Just Pipes

Your home is likely your largest financial asset. A burst pipe isn't just a plumbing bill; it's weeks of tearing out floors, battling mold, and dealing with insurance adjusters.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we believe part of being a "real estate expert" is knowing how to maintain the home after you buy it. We help our clients navigate the unique maintenance quirks of our coastal environment—from salt air corrosion to freeze protection.

If you are looking for a real estate partner who understands the difference between a "pretty house" and a "sound investment," reach out to us. We’re here to help you weather every season.