Columbia, South Carolina – Another surge of Arctic air is preparing to move into South Carolina, and homeowners across the state are being reminded that overlooked winter prep issues can quickly lead to costly damage once temperatures drop below freezing.
As colder air spreads statewide, frozen pipes remain the most common winter emergency, particularly in a state where homes are not designed for prolonged cold. Pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable when temperatures fall sharply overnight.
Blocked exterior vents are another frequently missed problem. Dryer, bathroom, and kitchen vents can become clogged by lint, leaves, or ice, trapping moisture that freezes and forces airflow back into the home. These blockages can lead to moisture damage and increase fire risk when appliances cannot vent properly.
Ice dams, while less common in South Carolina, can still form during rare snow events followed by extended cold. Heat escaping through uneven attic insulation melts rooftop snow, which then refreezes along colder roof edges. Water backs up beneath shingles, damaging ceilings and insulation. Homes in and around Columbia with limited attic insulation are particularly susceptible.
Frozen sump pump discharge lines also cause problems during prolonged cold. When outlet pipes freeze solid, melting snow or groundwater has nowhere to drain, increasing the risk of basement flooding during brief warmups.
Rounding out the top five is neglected heating equipment. Furnaces and heat pumps that haven’t been checked can struggle during peak demand, leaving homes without reliable heat and pushing residents toward unsafe heating alternatives.
Homeowners are urged to insulate exposed pipes, clear debris from exterior vents, seal crawl spaces where possible, and ensure heating systems are operating efficiently before the cold tightens its grip. Additional cold-related alerts are expected as January’s winter pattern continues across South Carolina.
