Away for the holidays, or a house that sits empty in winter
Many of the worst freeze losses happen in houses nobody is in: a lake house on Lake Murray, a rental between tenants, or a home left for a holiday trip. A pipe that bursts the first night can run for days.
Last reviewed October 30, 2026 against the sources listed below. General information, not insurance or legal advice.
Pipe-freeze risk for Newberry right now
Pipe-freeze risk, the week ahead: Low
- Coldest hour: 50°F, Fri, Oct 30 at 8:00 AM ET
- Hours at or below 32°F: 0; at or below 28°F: 0; at or below 20°F: 0
No freezing temperatures in the hourly forecast. A good week to find your main shutoff, buy faucet covers and check pipe insulation before the first hard freeze.
Computed from the National Weather Service hourly forecast for Newberry, updated Fri, Oct 30 at 8:12 AM ET. Low spots, river bottoms and rural yards often run colder than the forecast point. Thresholds: 32°F freezing; 28°F the NWS hard-freeze level; 20°F the freeze-alert threshold for homes in southern states from University of Illinois research.
No active weather alerts for the area right now. Water and weather center
The insurance angle first
Insurers can deny freeze claims when the home was left without reasonable heat or the water was not shut off and drained during a long absence, so check your policy's conditions. The Insurance Information Institute suggests keeping the house at 65°F or warmer in a cold snap. Many policies also limit coverage for a house that has been vacant for an extended period. If a house will be empty for more than a few weeks, ask your agent what the policy requires.
A short trip in cold weather
- Leave the heat on. The American Red Cross says no lower than 55°F; the Insurance Information Institute suggests 65°F during severe cold, because the inside of walls is colder than the room.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls.
- If no one needs water while you are gone, shut off the main and open a faucet to relieve pressure, and set the water heater to "vacation."
- Ask someone to check the house each day during a hard freeze.
A house empty all winter
The Insurance Information Institute advises having the water system drained by a professional if you will be away for an extended period. A full winterization usually means:
- Turn off the water heater, then the main water or the well pump.
- Open every faucet, inside and out, and flush the toilets to empty the tanks.
- Drain the water heater, the pressure tank and any softener or filter.
- Blow out the lines with compressed air if the plumber recommends it.
- Protect drain traps the way the plumber advises, never with anything in the drinking water lines.
- Leave a note at the main valve and the water heater saying the house is winterized.
Gadgets that help
A low-temperature alarm or a Wi-Fi thermostat that alerts you when the house gets cold, and a leak sensor or automatic water shutoff valve, can catch problems while you are away. Some insurers offer discounts for them, so ask.
Coming home
After the 2022 Christmas freeze, Columbia fire officials said they expected more burst-pipe calls as people came home from holiday trips and found water damage. When you return, check ceilings, floors and the crawl space before turning the water back on, then open the main slowly and listen for running water.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I leave my house at in winter?
The American Red Cross says no lower than 55°F while you are away. The Insurance Information Institute suggests 65°F during severe cold.
Should I shut off the water when I leave for a trip?
In cold weather, shutting off the main and opening a faucet is a good precaution if no one needs water while you are gone. For long absences, have the system drained.
Policies vary. Check your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about anything that affects your claim. Rules can change; this page reflects the sources below as of October 30, 2026. NewberrySCPlumbing.com is not a plumber, insurer, adjuster or law firm.
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