As record-breaking temperatures grip the nation tonight—from a bone-chilling -55°F wind chill in Minnesota to an icy 23°F in Florida—millions of homes and businesses face the risk of frozen and burst pipes. Property damage caused by bursting pipes can cost thousands of dollars, but taking action now can prevent disaster.
This Arctic blast, expected to last through mid-week, is creating dangerous conditions for plumbing across dozens of states. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands and can cause the pipes to crack or burst, resulting in extensive flooding and damage.
Experts urge immediate preventative measures to safeguard your property. Let faucets drip to keep water moving, especially in pipes near exterior walls. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. If pipes do freeze, never use an open flame to thaw them; instead, use a hair dryer or heating pad to apply gentle heat.
