Protecting pipes from freezing is essential during cold weather to prevent damage and maintain water flow. Here are some effective strategies to prevent your pipes from freezing:
– Allow faucets to drip slightly with lukewarm water to reduce the risk of freezing.
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– Disconnect any outside garden hoses.
– Install insulating covers on all outdoor faucets.
– Wrap pipes located near external walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape.
– Close all windows near water pipes.
– Cover crawl space air vents if they cannot be closed.
– If your home has a basement, ensure it is heated.
– Apply weather sealing, caulk, or tape to your windows.
– Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home.
– If leaving home for an extended period, shut off the water supply valve to your washing machine.
In the event that a pipe freezes, use the following methods to thaw it safely:
– Use a hair dryer to thaw a frozen faucet or pipe, avoiding its use around standing water for safety reasons.
– Heat water on the stove, soak towels in the hot water, and wrap them around cold sections of the pipe.
– Begin thawing the pipe nearest to the faucet, keeping the faucet turned on to allow melted water to drip.
For emergencies, contact the after-hours hotline at 615-893-1223. If you have concerns about preventing or recovering from frozen pipes, reach out to the Murfreesboro Water Resources Department at 615-848-3209.
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