What should I do to prepare my pipes for a freeze in a Madison home?

Your Step-by-Step Pipe Protection Plan

Here are the key steps to prevent a burst pipe, which is one of the most common and costly homeowner issues during an Alabama cold snap.

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: The most important step. Use foam pipe sleeves or heat tape on any water pipes that run through unconditioned spaces like crawl spaces, attics, or against exterior walls.
• Handle Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect all garden hoses from their spigots. If you don't have frost-proof spigots, shut off the water to them from inside the house and drain the line. Use an insulated faucet cover.
• During the Freeze: When temperatures are forecast to be well below freezing for several hours, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. Let one or two indoor faucets (both hot and cold) drip slowly to keep water moving.