Falling Temperatures Could Mean Freezing Pipes

Mississippi weather – it’s 80 degrees one day and 20 degrees the next. We never know what our weather will be from one day to the next. But winter can bring some very cold temperatures our way. I remember my sister going away on a trip one January and getting “the call” that her pipes had frozen and burst in her attic, leaving most of the interior of her home with major water damage. She had to have all of her ceilings, flooring, and walls redone. One word - Expensive.

As the temperatures drop this winter, here are some good tips from a licensed contractor on this realtor.com video showing how to keep your pipes from freezing:

1. Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.

2. Drain any pipes not in use (water hose, sprinkler system, pool system, etc.).

3. Insulate exposed pipes. This comes up in home inspections all the time. It’s a cheap and easy way to protect your pipes during cold temperatures.

4. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors when below freezing temperatures are predicted.

5. Let your faucets drip when below freezing temperatures are predicted. Try to choose a faucet that is furthest away from your water main and one faucet on each floor of your home.

6. Shut off your water main completely when traveling.