Winter Wonder: Embrace the Snow, Avoid the Frozen Woes!

A chilly wintry mix is forecasted for this week. With the possibility of temperatures dropping to the low 20s and potentially the teens, frozen pipes should not be taken lightly.

The pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing are those that are exposed to extreme cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and irrigation lines.

If your water supply pipes are located in unheated interior spaces like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or under kitchen sinks, they have a higher risk of freezing.
Pipes positioned against exterior walls with minimal or no insulation are also in jeopardy.

Understand the steps to take

Trent Davis from Dockery Heating & Air in Cornelia, Georgia, shared some tips to assist in avoiding frozen pipes. “Once temperatures fall into the ‘hard freeze’ zone of 27 degrees or lower, and if daytime highs don’t exceed 32 degrees, even dripping pipes can freeze.”

Davis pointed out that hose bibs (the faucet on the exterior of a residence that connects to the main water line and allows for access to water) are the most frequently frozen items that can burst. “Ensure that all water hoses are disconnected and that the hose bib itself is insulated,” Davis advised.

In the event your pipes freeze or burst, shut off your water at the meter (located by the street or near the well pump), and permit everything to thaw. Davis suggested, “If you are unsure of the location of your meter or how to turn it off, contact your water provider, and they can guide you.”

It’s crucial to understand that once temperatures rise and the lines have thawed, turn the meter on halfway and check the lines.

History of frozen pipes

If you have experienced frozen pipes previously, a reliable method to avoid them is to shut off the water at the meter and open all faucets and hose bibs to drain the home.

For those utilizing a total electric heat pump HVAC system, he recommends setting your thermostat to emergency heat mode. The outdoor unit cannot provide heat when it is 35 degrees or below. If you have a newer gas furnace that is 90% efficient with a plastic flue pipe, there’s a significant chance your drain line will freeze.

If this happens, Davis suggests using a slender rod to break the ice and gently tap on the line until the ice breaks free.

For individuals with a newer gas furnace situated in an attic, Davis mentioned that there is not much that can be done to prevent the condensation line from freezing. He recommended being prepared for a blank thermostat display when the unit thaws.

Take precautions before freezing temperatures

White County Public Safety recommends that if your pipes run through cabinets or vanities, open the cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate into those areas. Letting a small stream of water flow through the pipes can also help to prevent freezing.

Keep a reserve of water available. Fill up a bathtub, purchase bottled water, or pre-fill jugs ahead of time to assist while waiting for temperatures to increase.

Tyler Penland from Now Habersham will continue to provide updates as the winter weather approaches.