Tennessee Homeowners: Here Are Some Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Winter is here and with it, frigid temperatures. Now is the time to take precautions to ensure your pipes don't freeze.

Frozen Pipes Can Result in Expensive Repairs

Frozen water pipes are no fun. In fact, they can result in costly repairs. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the possibility of frozen pipes in your home.

Insulating Pipes for Winter

Pipes that are left exposed are more likely to freeze during cold weather. Taking steps in advance to lessen the likelihood of freezing could save you a lot of headaches later. Applying insulating tubing to your pipes is an easy way to help winterize your home.

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Let It Drip to Prevent Frozen Pipes

There are other steps you can take to reduce the chance of frozen pipes in your home. State Farm recommends letting warm water drip from a faucet in your home. They say that a small, steady drip could be enough to prevent your pipes from freezing, particularly if the faucet is on an outside wall.

Maintain a Steady Temperature

Setting your thermostat to the same temperature, both day and night can reduce the likelihood of a frozen pipe too. State Farm adds that it can lessen the strain on your heating system in extremely cold temperatures too.

Don't Forget The Outside Faucets This Winter

The old adage about an ounce of prevention really applies when it comes to preventing frozen pipes in the winter. Before the temperatures drop, disconnect your garden hose from the outside spigot. State Farm also recommends draining any excess water from the pipe by using an inside valve, if possible.

What To Do If Your Pipes Have Frozen

Frozen pipes don't always burst. Whether you took preventive measures or not, if you turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, State Farm says to leave the faucet in the on position and call a plumber.

Add a Little Heat... Carefully

You can also try adding a little heat - but cautiously. Never use any type of torch or open flame to try to thaw a frozen pipe. Instead, you can try using a hairdryer or a heat gun. You just want to be certain you are not in or near standing water, or near any type of flammable materials.

A Frozen Pipe Burst. Now What?

If a pipe does burst, you will want to turn off the main water valve in your home as quickly as possible. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with where your main valve is before you find yourself in need of it. Once the valve is shut off, you will want to keep the faucets in your home in the on position.

[Source: State Farm]