The best way to handle freezing weather is to be prepared before it happens.

Taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your plumbing and noting the locations of all shut-off valves are important steps in preventing freezing weather from turning into a plumbing emergency. Here are some tips to prevent any issues that keep your plumbing from working at its best:

Outside plumbing

• Cover outdoor water valves and spigots when the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. A fitted plastic or Styrofoam cover can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores. Tape and cardboard wrapped and sealed well around the spigot can also be just as effective.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
• 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.
• Homeowners and homeowner associations should turn off all sprinkler systems. Not doing so may cause the system to burst and cause icy spots on nearby roads.

Inside plumbing

• When the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you can open cabinet doors in the kitchen and bath to expose pipes to heat.
• Drip the faucet overnight 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.
• Wrap exposed water pipes that may be in the attic, unheated basement, or crawl space. This insulates the pipe against freezing and 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, electric, or gas bills. These are available at most hardware and home improvement stores.

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, in the basement near the hot water heater, inside the garage, or occasionally in a more discreet 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 could be damaged.
• Remember, the repair of broken pipes on the customer’s side of the water meter is the customer’s responsibility. It is recommended to contact a plumber for repair work.

For demonstrations on how to winterize your home, watch the video below and visit GwinnettCounty.com/FreezingWeather.