Where pipes freeze in Johnson City homes
East Tennessee winters are mild most days and then suddenly aren't. The pipes that freeze are the ones that never needed protection during a normal winter:
- Lines in vented crawlspaces, especially near the vents
- Pipes in exterior walls, often behind kitchen sinks on north-facing walls
- Unheated garages, sunrooms and finished basements with an outside wall
- Outdoor spigots without frost-free valves, and hoses left attached
Thawing safely
- Open the faucet the frozen line feeds. Moving water helps it thaw and relieves pressure.
- Apply gentle heat: a hair dryer, space heater kept at a safe distance, or warm towels.
- Start nearest the faucet and work back toward the frozen section.
Never use an open flame or torch. Pipes can be damaged and houses do catch fire this way.
If you can't find or reach the frozen section, or the pipe is already cracked, call a plumber. Have your main shutoff ready, because a crack you can't see will start leaking the moment the ice melts.
Before the next cold snap
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots
- Close crawlspace vents in winter and insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves
- On the coldest nights, let vulnerable faucets drip and open the cabinet doors under sinks
- If you'll be away, keep the heat at 55°F or higher
A plumber can add heat tape, reroute vulnerable lines or swap in frost-free spigots for a permanent fix.