Charleston Prepares for Upcoming Cold Snap: Essential Tips to Protect Your Pipes

Charleston Braces for Cold Snap: Time to Protect Your Pipes!

Hey there, Charleston! As we gear up for some chilly nights ahead, it’s time to have an honest chat about taking care of those pipes in your home. With overnight temperatures dipping down to the mid-20s this week, it’s essential to be proactive. That’s right, folks! Freezing temperatures can turn your cozy home into a potential winter disaster if those pipes aren’t protected.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!

Mike Saia, the Public Information Administrator with the Charleston Water System, has some great advice for all of us. “The most important thing for people to know is to basically take action now and start to prepare,” he emphasizes. So, what’s the first step? Dripping your faucet! It might sound simple, but Saia says it’s “the single most effective thing to do.” Keeping a steady drip going helps to keep that water circulating and avoids the dreaded frozen pipes.

Know Your Shutoff Valve!

We’ve all been there—standing under a hot shower only to find out there’s no water flowing. Saia warns that many of you might start calling for help when you realize your pipes have frozen or, worse yet, burst. It’s crucial to know where your shutoff valve is located, whether it’s hidden away in the garage or tucked outside. If disaster strikes and a pipe bursts, finding that valve quickly can prevent serious water damage. “It’d stop any kind of damage,” says Saia. “But the best way to avoid that is to simply drip your pipes so they don’t break in the first place.”

A Quick Lesson on Freezing Pipes

So, how do you know when you’re in trouble? Saia explains, “When a pipe freezes under your home or inside a wall, you’ll notice because the water will basically stop working in your home.” You’ll turn the faucet and nothing will come out. That’s your cue that you might have a problem. Unfortunately, the real chaos begins when the pipe thaws. “All of a sudden you have pressurized water shooting out of a pipe under your home or inside a wall. And that really causes a lot of damage very, very quickly,” he adds. Yikes!

Charleston Water System is Prepared

While it’s important to stay cautious, you can rest a bit easier knowing that the Charleston Water System is on their game. Although the drop in temperatures is short-lived, they’re ready to take calls and dispatch help if needed. So, you’re not alone in this chilly battle!

Don’t Forget About Your Furry Friends!

In addition to protecting your beloved pipes, don’t forget your pets and plants! As temperatures are expected to plummet, it’s key to bring in your furry friends to keep them warm and cozy. Remember, just like us, they don’t want to deal with the frosty weather!

Wrapping It Up

Charleston, let’s keep our homes safe and sound through this cold snap. Be proactive about protecting those pipes, know where your shutoff valve is, and remember to bring your pets indoors. With a little effort, we can all enjoy a warm, safe winter! Stay warm out there!