Much of Arizona is under a freeze warning as more normal winter weather finally arrives in metro Phoenix.
The severity was expected to be moderate, but frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
When temperatures fall below freezing, it’s imperative to prepare your home. If you don’t prepare for the cold, you can experience major home damages that cost thousands of dollars to fix.
Here’s what Arizonans need to know about protecting their pipes from freezing or what to do if your pipes are already frozen.
How to prevent pipes from freezing
This time of year, it’s essential to check your local weather forecast daily to stay alert for freeze warnings. When a freeze warning is issued, it’s time to protect your faucets.
However, if you haven’t yet prepared—or if you still need to use your faucets regularly—here’s some advice on how to protect them.
Adjust your thermostat
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Maintain a temperature of at least 60 degrees.
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Open cupboards and vanities to allow warm air to reach pipes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, Brycen Sperlich, owner of Prime Drain Cleaning and Plumbing in Tennessee, told USA TODAY earlier this year.
Drip faucets correctly
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Set faucets to a small, steady drip rather than a stream to conserve water while preventing freezing.
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Drip the faucet farthest from your home’s main water valve.
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“You don’t have to drip them all—one or two is fine,” Sperlich told USA TODAY.
More: Metro Phoenix to see freezing temperatures. Here’s how cold it could get
Cover outdoor spigots
Before the temperature drops below 32 degrees, outdoor water spigots attached to homes should be opened to allow to drain water out. Faucet covers should also be put on.
Which pipes freeze the most?
Here are the pipes The Red Cross says freeze most frequently in homes:
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Pipes exposed to “severe cold,” including outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines. (If you have swimming pool or sprinkler supply lines, don’t forget to drain them too.)
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Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas, including basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and cabinets.
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Those running against exterior walls that “have little or no insulation.”
What you should do if your pipe is already frozen
If you’re concerned about further damage or unsure how to handle the situation, it’s best to call a local plumber to safely resolve the issue. However, you can relieve some of the pressure on your own.
Here’s a step-by-step process outlined by the American Red Cross.
Turn off main water supply valve
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This prevents water from flowing into the frozen pipe, reducing the risk of a burst.
Thaw the frozen pipes
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Apply heat using a hair dryer, heating pad or warm towels wrapped around the pipe.
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Avoid using open flames, such as a blowtorch, as they can damage the pipe or cause a fire.
Keep a faucet open
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Allow a faucet connected to the frozen pipe to run. This helps water flow as the ice melts and relieves pressure, reducing the risk of the pipe bursting.
How do I find my main water shut off valve?
The main water shut-off valve is usually located where the water supply enters your home — commonly in the garage or a concrete or metal box near the street.
Familiarize yourself with its location before temperatures drop below freezing to act quickly in case of a burst pipe.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When to drip faucets in Arizona during freezing winter weather