HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Extreme cold is making its way through the Tennessee Valley this Friday bringing with it life-threatening wind chills. Preparing your home and pipes will be essential to avoid damage.
According to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA), if you don't protect your pipes you could deal with burst pipes which could lead to more major plumbing issues.
To protect your pipes amid freezing temperatures, the EMA recommends that you "give pipes a helping hand".
You can do this by opening doors to cabinets to allow warmer air to move under your sink and surround your pipes. You can help prevent pipes bursting by ensuring water flows through your pipes by allowing your faucets to drip. Remember the price of a broken pipe is usual more pricey than the cost of running extra for a day or two.
What if your pipes DO freeze? The EMA recommends that if your pipes do freeze to make sure you follow the proper protocol to prevent any pipes sustaining more damage.
- Shut of your water immediately. You should never try and thaw your pipes with your water on.
- Thaw pipes using warm air. You can melt your frozen pipes by warming the air around it. This can be done using a space heater or hair dryer. Never leave the space heater unattended and never uses kerosene heaters or open flames.
- Be careful when you do turn your water back on. When your pipes do thaw, turn the water back on slowly and inspect your pipes and joints for cracks or leaks that may have been cause by the freezing.