How to prevent pipes from freezing – laparenthese-gourmande

With winter weather in Memphis ahead of the start of winter officially arriving, it’s time to remember what to do when the temperature drops below freezing.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to start warming up over the weekend, but by Friday night they are expected to reach a low of around 27 degrees. Like Saturday, the high temperature will be 52 degrees, pipes are unlikely to freeze and burst, but it is best to proceed with caution.

Even though we’ve had days with freezing temperatures this past week, when does winter actually start?

When does winter start?

Winter will begin on Saturday, December 21 and last until Thursday, March 20, 2025. These are three months where cold and dangerous conditions are likely to occur.

It’s better to be proactive about winter conditions rather than reactive. Taking care of your home and family from the start can save you money and lives.

How do I prevent my pipes from freezing? Tips to keep the water flowing

It is recommended by State Farm to take the time to ensure pipes do not freeze by following these steps:

Insulate the pipes
Use heating tape or heating cables
Seal leaks in the house through windows or cracks
Secure outdoor faucets by emptying and retracting hoses and sprinklers.
Allow hot and cold water to drip inside to keep the water flowing.
Adjust the thermostat to stay warm at night
Open cabinet doors to let air reach interior pipes
Keep the garage door closed if there are exposed pipes inside.

What household temperature keeps pipes from freezing?

Homes must be kept at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing. This is the recommended temperature for people who are outside the city.

Technically, pipes can freeze in 32 degree weather, but most won’t freeze until 20 degrees. The longer the temperature stays below 20, the greater the risk of frost.

Pipes can freeze completely within six hours if temperatures are cold enough.

What to do if the pipes freeze?

State Farm also recommends taking these steps if your pipes end up freezing due to near-freezing temperatures:

Turn off the water supply
Open taps
Use a hair dryer or heater to warm the pipes
Turn up the heat in the house
Do not use an open flame to heat the pipes
Do not pour hot water down the drain to warm the pipes.
Call a plumber if necessary

What to do with plants in winter?

Although plants aren’t one of the main concerns in winter, taking care of them can get a little complicated if you have a lot of them. If you can, try to bring as many plants indoors as possible. Even putting them in the garage can help them stay alive despite the cold.

Better Homes & Gardens recommends these tips once the plants are indoors:

Reduce watering. Plants need more watering with more sun, and because sunlight is limited in winter, they don’t need to be watered as often.
Be careful of sunlight. If possible, move plants closer to windows so they can absorb as much limited sunlight as possible.
Don’t worry if a few leaves fall during the season. Plants adapt to lower light levels, so it is normal for them to lose a leaf or two.
Avoid extreme temperatures if possible. Extreme changes in temperature, such as cold drafts, radiators, and hot air vents, can all damage or dry out plants.
Increase humidity indoors. A simple way to do this is to group plants together, as water evaporating from the soil will increase the humidity level around the plants.
Do not repot your plants when it is cold. The best time to repot a plant is when it is growing and this especially happens when it is warm and sunny in spring and summer.

How to prepare a home kit for a winter emergency?

Although winter weather won’t be serious for a little while, it’s the time of year to start thinking about being proactive in your approach to winter and cold weather.

Home kits are important because you are expected to stay in your home for several days in the event of a winter emergency. Here are the items FEMA recommends for a home winter emergency kit.

Water: 1 gallon per person for at least three days
Non-perishable food and manual can opener
Battery powered radio: if cell phones are not accessible
Flashlight: one per person
First aid kits
Extra batteries
Drink
Whistle: to call for help
Masks: if someone gets sick
Wet wipes, trash bags and plastic ties: personal hygiene
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Mobile phone with charger and backup battery
Extra toilet paper and paper towels
Matches
Prescription medications: in an easily accessible location

How to prepare a pet kit for a winter emergency?

If you have several animals, it is recommended to have a kit for each. Keep pets indoors as much as possible during a power outage and also keep them warm.

Pet food: worth several days
Water: a bowl and several days
Any medication available to the animal
Collar with ID tag plus harness or leash
Animal Registration
Travel bag, crate or carrier
Litter and litter box if necessary
Toys to reduce stress