The last thing you want during the holidays is a burst water pipe, so our friends at Tennessee American Water put together a list of ways to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter.
Before the cold
- Test your water shut-off valve
- Turn off and fully drain sprinkler or irrigation systems
- Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines
- Protect your pipes with insulation or heat tape
Below freezing tips
- Open cabinet doors + vanities to let warm air flow in
- Keep a small trickle of water moving through the pipes
If your pipe freezes
- Shut off water immediately
- Thaw the pipe by warming the air around it (Pro tip: Avoid unattended space + kerosene heaters, or open flames — don’t want to add a fire to the mix)
- Carefully turn water back on once pipes are thawed + check for cracks or leaks
If these tips came in too late, you can always file a water emergency report online.
