How do I protect my pipes in a south Louisiana freeze?

The short answer

Before a hard freeze: cover outdoor faucets, wrap pipes that are outside or under a pier and beam house, drip the faucets on outside walls, open cabinet doors under sinks, and know where your main water shutoff is. Homes built for heat often have exposed pipes, so a rare freeze can burst them.

The day before

• Disconnect hoses and cover outdoor faucets.
• Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe sleeves or towels and tape.
• Close crawlspace vents or block them temporarily on pier and beam homes.
• Let faucets on outside walls drip, hot and cold.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air reaches the pipes.
• Find the main water shutoff and make sure it turns.

If a pipe freezes or bursts

• If water is spraying, shut off the main water right away.
• Thaw a frozen pipe slowly with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame.
• Call a plumber for a burst pipe, and take photos for insurance.
• Reopen crawlspace vents after the freeze passes.

Questions people ask

Should I drip faucets in a freeze?

Yes, on pipes along outside walls. Moving water is less likely to freeze and dripping eases pressure if ice forms.

At what temperature do pipes freeze?

Exposed pipes are at risk when it stays below freezing for several hours, especially with wind. Pipes inside heated walls are safer.

Read more

• Low water pressure
• Water stain on the ceiling
• Home help in Acadiana