During cold weather, protecting your pipes from freezing is essential to prevent damage and costly repairs. Here are some tips to help you minimize the risk of frozen pipes:
1. Allow a faucet to drip slightly with lukewarm water to reduce the chance of freezing.
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2. Disconnect all outside garden hoses to prevent water from freezing in the pipes.
3. Install an insulating cover over all outside faucets to keep them warm.
4. Wrap pipes near external walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape for extra protection.
5. Close all windows near water pipes to maintain warmth in the area.
6. If you cannot close the air vents in your crawl space, cover them to keep cold air out.
7. Keep your basement heated if you have one, as this will help protect pipes.
8. Install weather sealing, caulk, or tape to your windows to prevent drafts.
9. Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home to keep warmth in.
10. If you plan to be away from your home for an extended period, shut off the water supply valve to your washing machine to avoid potential issues.
If a pipe does freeze, there are ways to safely thaw it:
– Use a hair dryer to thaw the frozen faucet or pipe inside your house. For safety, avoid using a hair dryer near standing water.
– Heat water on the stove, soak towels in the hot water, and wrap them around the cold sections of the pipe.
– When thawing a pipe, begin with the section nearest to the faucet, ensuring the faucet is turned on so that melted water can drip out.
For any concerns regarding the prevention and recovery of frozen pipes, contact the Murfreesboro Water Resources Department at 615-848-3209 or visit their [website](https://www.murfreesborotn.gov).
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