How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter (Tennessee Guide)

Tennessee winters can surprise you. A single night below freezing is all it takes to burst a pipe and cause thousands in water damage. Here's how to protect your home.

Middle Tennessee might not be Alaska, but our occasional hard freezes catch many homeowners off guard. Burst pipes are one of the most costly plumbing emergencies — here's how to prevent them.

Why Pipes Freeze and Burst

Water expands when it freezes. Pipes can't accommodate that expansion, so they crack or burst entirely. When the ice thaws, you're left with a flooding situation.

The Most Vulnerable Pipes

Exterior walls (uninsulated)

Crawl spaces

Attics and garages

Pipes under kitchen/bathroom sinks on exterior walls

Prevention Tips

Before the freeze:

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses

Shut off and drain irrigation systems

Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation (cheap, DIY-friendly)

Seal cracks near pipes where cold air enters

During a freeze warning:

Keep your thermostat at 68F minimum, even overnight

Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate

Let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes — moving water doesn't freeze as easily

If leaving town, don't set the thermostat below 55F

What To Do If a Pipe Freezes

Turn off the main water supply immediately

Open the faucet to relieve pressure

Apply gentle heat (hair dryer, heating pad) — never use an open flame

Call a plumber if you can't locate the frozen section or it's already burst

The Bottom Line

Pipe insulation costs about $1/foot. A burst pipe repair can run $500-$2,000 or more. The math is easy. Don't wait until January.

#Frozen Pipes#Winter#Prevention#Emergency

Back to All Articles