Fortunately, freezing weather does not happen often in Georgia. When it does, the best way to handle any sort of water emergency in your home ­- including broken pipes - is to be prepared before it happens. Take a few minutes to learn about the plumbing system in and outside your home to prevent freezing weather from turning into a plumbing emergency. Here are some tips:

 Outside plumbing

• Cover outdoor water valves and spigots when the temperatures dip below 32 degrees. A fitted plastic or Styrofoam cover can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores, but tape and cardboard wrapped and sealed well around the spigot can be just as effective.
• Shut down your irrigation system for the season. When temperatures begin to dip, the PVC piping in most irrigation systems is vulnerable to freezing and rupture. Every year turn off the system at the main control and open each valve until the entire system drains of water. After the system is drained, close each valve and leave the system shut off until after the last freeze.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses.

Inside plumbing

• Wrap exposed water pipe that may be in the attic, unheated basement, or crawl space. This insulates the pipe against freezing, and also helps to prevent water waste by reducing the water warm-up time at the faucet.
• Invest in a water heater blanket. This can save water, and may also help reduce water and electric or gas bills. These are available at most hardware and home improvement stores.
• When the temperature is below 32 degrees, you can open cabinet doors in the kitchen and bath to expose pipes to heat.
• Drip the faucet overnight in order to prevent freezing.  For single-handle faucets, drip warm (but not hot) water.  For two-handle faucets, drip both the cold and hot lines. To save water, remember to shut off the faucet after the freeze threat has passed.

What if pipes freeze and break?

• Close the main water shut-off valve to your house. Shut-off valves can be located where the water line enters the house. This may be at the front of your house where you connect your hose, the basement near the hot water heater, inside the garage, or occasionally in a more inconspicuous location like a utility closet.
• By turning the water off at the main valve, you may avoid losing water through the ruptured pipe. This helps prevent the loss of water, money, and any property that might be damaged.
• Remember, the repair of broken pipes on the customer’s side of the water meter is the customer’s responsibility. Contact a plumber for repair work.