Brrr, it's going to get cold Thursday night with an expected low of around 9 degrees. Not only is that cold for us, our pets and plants, it's also not good for our water pipes.

No one wants their water pipes to burst. Not only is it a pain to get fixed it's also a pain to clean up if they do burst. The Texarkana Water Utilities is offering some tips and ideas for protecting our pipes and insulating them to give them a chance to make it through this bitter cold snap we will be having.

Here Are Some Tips to Keep in Mind When Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

Temperature Gauge in the Snow
Jonathan Larsen
loading...

 

Let Warm Air in Under Cabinets

Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash
Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash
loading...

• If your pipes run through cabinets or vanities, be sure to open the doors so warmer room temperatures can flow in. The thermostat should be set no lower than 55 degrees (F).

Keep Water Moving

set of blue glossy water drops on white background
Ganna Galata
loading...

• Keep water moving through the pipes. Turn the faucet to a small trickle of water to run.

Disconnect Outdoor Garden Hoses

Photo by John Nzoka on Unsplash
Photo by John Nzoka on Unsplash
loading...

• Be sure to insulate outside faucets. You can get inexpensive foam faucet covers and they are easy to put on the faucets outside. Plus they are reusable so you can use them next year.

 

Here's What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

Frozen icy down pipe, icicles
fottograff
loading...

Shut off the water immediately, usually at the street if you can!
• Do not try to thaw pipes without turning off the main shut-off valve.
Thaw pipes with warm air, not water.
• Try melting the frozen water in the pipe by using a hair dryer or
space heater. Do not leave space heaters unattended and avoid the use of kerosene
heaters or open flames.
Be Careful When You Start to Turn The Water Back on

Portrait of male plumber fixing a sink in bathroom
AndreyPopov
loading...

• When the frozen pipes are thawed, very slowly turn the water back on. Keep checking for any leaks or cracks.

Kicker 102.5 logo
Get our free mobile app

 

TIPS: Here's how you can prepare for power outages

KEEP READING: Get answers to 51 of the most frequently asked weather questions...

 

More From Kicker 102.5