Burst Pipes in Crawlspaces: Why Winter Hits Arkansas Plumbing Hard (and How to Protect Your Home)
When the temperature drops in Arkansas, crawlspaces become one of the most vulnerable — and overlooked — areas of the home. While winters here may not be as harsh as in northern states, the sudden freezes we experience can be even more damaging. Overnight cold snaps are notorious for freezing exposed or poorly insulated pipes, and before homeowners even realize it, a burst pipe in the crawlspace can flood the entire underside of the house.
Burst pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing emergencies in North Little Rock, Little Rock, Cabot, Sherwood, Jacksonville, and surrounding communities, and crawlspaces play a major role in why they happen.
Let’s break down why crawlspaces are so at risk, how to spot a problem early, and what you can do to prevent major winter damage.
Why Crawlspace Pipes Burst in Arkansas Winters
1. Crawlspaces Aren’t Insulated Like the Home
Your home's walls are insulated. Your attic is insulated. But the crawlspace? Most of the time, it’s just open air — and that air gets cold fast. When freezing temperatures blow in, the wind can pass directly through the crawlspace, surrounding pipes with icy air and causing them to freeze within hours.
2. Many Older Arkansas Homes Have Exposed Plumbing
Homes built before the early 2000s often have:
Exposed copper pipes
Thin PVC pipe with no insulation
Aging galvanized lines
Long runs of unsupported plumbing
All of these are highly vulnerable to freezing and bursting.
3. Cold Snaps Hit Fast—Giving Pipes No Time to Adjust
Arkansas weather doesn’t gradually cool down. It drops from 60° to 10° overnight. Pipes don’t have time to acclimate, and water inside them freezes, expands, and ruptures the line.
4. Crawlspaces Often Go Unchecked
Most people don’t go into their crawlspace unless:
Something breaks
Something smells
Something floods
And by then, the damage has already happened. A tiny split in a pipe can pour hundreds of gallons of water into the crawlspace before a homeowner notices.
Signs You Have a Burst Pipe in the Crawlspace
You might not see water right away, but you’ll definitely notice the symptoms:
Sudden drop in water pressure: This is one of the earliest signs.
Water running sounds with no fixtures on: If you hear water and no one is using it—there’s a leak.
Warm spots on the floor: Indicates a hot water line below the house has burst.
Higher-than-normal water bills: Leaks waste water quickly.
Moist or sagging floors: Water saturates subflooring from below.
Standing water or mud around the foundation: A major warning sign.
Moldy or musty smell inside the home: Wet crawlspaces breed mold fast.
If you see any of these red flags, you might have a burst pipe in your crawlspace—and you need to act fast.
Why Burst Crawlspace Pipes Are So Dangerous
A burst pipe underneath the home doesn’t just ruin your plumbing—it impacts the entire structure.
Structural Damage: Water can rot beams, weaken support joists, and erode the ground beneath your foundation.
Mold Growth: Mold can begin forming within 24–48 hours in a damp crawlspace.
Insect Attraction: Termites love moisture. A burst pipe is an open invitation.
Frozen Pipes Further Inside the Home: If crawlspace pipes freeze, interior pipes may follow.
Damage to Insulation: Wet insulation loses effectiveness and often must be replaced.
Skyrocketing Water Bills: A burst pipe can waste thousands of gallons per day.
How to Prevent Burst Pipes in the Winter (Arkansas Edition)
A few proactive steps can protect your home from expensive winter damage.
Insulate Crawlspace Pipes: This is the #1 method to prevent freezing. Pipe insulation is affordable and highly effective.
Seal Crawlspace Vents Before Freezes: Open vents let ice-cold air flow directly onto your pipes. Closing them during freezing weather helps stabilize the temperature.
Install Heat Tape: For extremely vulnerable sections of pipe, heat tape provides consistent warmth to prevent freezing.
Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold: Yes, it works. Moving water is much harder to freeze.
Check for Foundation Cracks: Even small openings allow cold air to rush into the crawlspace.
Schedule a Winter Plumbing Inspection: Sanders Plumbing HVAC experts can spot vulnerable areas before they become emergencies.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts in the Crawlspace
1. Turn off the main water supply immediately
This stops additional flooding.
2. Avoid entering the crawlspace
Standing water + electrical wiring = dangerous.
3. Call a Sanders Plumbing HVAC
They will:
Repair or replace the damaged pipe
Assess additional plumbing risks
Dry out the crawlspace if needed
Inspect for signs of structural or mold damage
Quick action can prevent thousands in repairs.
Why Arkansas Homeowners Trust Sanders Plumbing HVAC
We’ve repaired thousands of burst crawlspace pipes over the years, and we understand the unique winter plumbing challenges in Central Arkansas. Our team responds quickly, locates the problem fast, and provides permanent repairs — not just temporary fixes.
Whether you need an emergency repair, winterization service, or an inspection after a cold snap, we’re here to help keep your home protected.