Georgia’s usually warm climate often under-insulated buildings make frozen pipes a common problem. Pipes that freeze most frequently are water sprinkler lines and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or cabinets. In addition, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing. The following tips can help you keep your home safe this winter season.

Prevent Pipes From Freezing
- Install covers on all outside faucets.
- Keep the temperature inside at 68 degrees or higher, even when no one is there.
- Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat to circulate.
- Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on the water heater.
- Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape. This can prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.
- Close all windows near water pipes.
- Cover or close open-air vents.
- If you have a basement, heat it and consider weather sealing the windows.
- Insulate outside walls and unheated areas.

Monitor Pipe Conditions
- Allow a faucet to drip slightly (lukewarm water) in order to minimize freezing.
- Monitor the water flow as the first sign of freezing is reduced water flow from a faucet.
- Check the faucets for water flow and pressure before you go to sleep and again when you wake up.
- Check pipes around the water meter, unheated areas, exterior walls and crawl spaces because these are vulnerable to freezing conditions.

If a Pipe Freezes
- If a faucet or pipe freezes inside, it can be thawed using a hair dryer. Do not operate a hair dryer around standing water.
- To thaw a frozen pipe, heat water on the stove, soak towels in the hot water and wrap them around cold sections of the pipes.
- When thawing a pipe, start thawing nearest the faucet. Make sure the faucet is turned on so that melted water can drip out.

If a Pipe Bursts
- Shut off water at the main valve.
- If the break is in a hot water pipe, the valve on top of the water heater should be closed.
- Call Champion for immediate response 24/7/365.