Meteorologists are calling for extremely cold weather in Middle Tennessee tonight & for the next couple of days. We hope these tips below will help to increase your chances of avoiding frozen pipes during this extreme cold weather!

Tip #1 – Run Water! In extremely cold temperatures, keep a small stream of both hot and cold water flowing at a faucet at each end of your home. Flowing water does not freeze. The stream does not need to be full flow, just about the size of the graphite in a standard #2 pencil.

Tip #2 – Close everything up. Close the vents and doors to your crawlspace. If the pipes beneath your home are exposed to wind, it is far more likely that they will freeze. Also, if you have a water heater or other water piping in your garage be sure that your garage door is closed.

Tip #3 – Keep everything heated. If you have sinks on an exterior wall, open your cabinet doors. If you only keep parts of your home heated in the winter, in extremely cold weather, be sure to turn the heat on to all parts of your home.

Tip #4 – Remove your garden hoses. Do you still have garden hoses attached to your outside hydrants? If so, remove them. Many hydrants are designed to let water, inside the hydrant, drain. If your hoses are still attached, the water has nowhere to drain and can freeze and bust the hydrant.

We see many claims each year from PIPES BURSTING and causing damage to ceilings, walls, floors and anything else the water overflow comes in contact with. You have a better chance of frozen pipes not occuring if you heed the advice above. We have already started doing these procedures in our home to hopefully prevent a large plumbing bill and insurance claim from these subfreezing temperatures this week. Of course, if you are not successful in preventing frozen pipes, we’re here and ready to help with your claim! Just call any staff member at 615.377.1212 or EMAIL us at info@BentonWhite.com. You could also refer to our blog post this week “It’s Back! Rain, Slush, Ice, Snow!” that gives you complete information on how to you can reach us if you have that unfortunate claim during this harsh winter weather.

Stay safe and warm and we’re ready if you need us … and good luck with those pipes!