METRO WATER SERVICES URGES RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS TO PREPARE PLUMBING FOR EXTREME COLD

NASHVILLE, TENN. - With freezing temperatures in the forecast, Metro Water Services (MWS) is urging all property owners-residential and commercial-to take immediate steps to protect their water systems from cold weather damage. Water expands when it freezes. Frozen pipes and unprotected backflow prevention assemblies can lead to costly repairs, water loss, and service disruptions.

"Last winter's extreme cold caused widespread pipe breaks and damaged backflow prevention assemblies which resulted in significant water loss across Nashville," said Scott Potter, Director of Metro Water Services. "As temperatures drop again, we're asking every customer to take simple, proactive steps now- insulate exposed pipes, protect and winterize backflow assemblies, check for leaks, and make sure you know how to shut off your water in an emergency. A few simple steps taken today can prevent costly damage and help safeguard our entire water system during the upcoming cold snap."

Pipes that Freeze Most Frequently are:
• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and backflow preventers.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

Guidance for Residential Property Owners:
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Close vents to crawl spaces to protect pipes and cover outdoor spigots.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
• If you are away from home during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home and set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• Drain seasonal irrigation systems before temperatures drop

Taking these precautions helps prevent costly water damage and reduces the risk of service interruptions during severe weather.

Guidance for Commercial and Industrial Properties
• Inspect all backflow assemblies, especially those located outdoors or in unconditioned mechanical rooms and ensure they are in good working condition.
• Use insulated covers, heat tape, or approved enclosures to shield assemblies from freezing temperatures.
• Ensure mechanical rooms remain above freezing, checking for drafts or HVAC issues.
• Install supplemental heat sources (e.g., heat tape or thermostatically controlled heaters) where needed.
• Drain and winterize irrigation backflow devices that are not in use during winter months.
• Schedule certified testing if a device is suspected to have frozen or been exposed to extreme temperatures.

Proper winterization not only prevents system downtime and costly emergency repairs, it also helps maintain regulatory compliance and protects the public water supply from potential contamination.

How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Pipe:
• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
• If properties experience a frozen or broken pipe, they should contact a plumber as MWS is unable to respond to private plumbing issues.

Locate your Water Shut-off Valve NOW to Prevent Extensive Damage in the Event of a Break:
• The ability to quickly close this valve may prevent further damage to your home in the event one of your interior pipes burst.
• The shut-off valve may be in the basement, under the kitchen sink, in a utility closet, near the hot water heater, or even under your home in a crawl space.
• If you think you have found it, be sure to test it.
• If you cannot locate your inside shut-off valve or do not have one installed, we recommend that you contact your plumber.

Stay Prepared and Stay Informed
MWS encourages all customers to monitor weather forecasts and take action before temperatures drop. Weather related announcements from MWS will be posted on our social media platforms @NashvilleMWS.

When temperatures rise, an increase in water main breaks caused by ground shift is anticipated. Potential water main breaks should be reported to MWS as soon as possible to 615-862-4600. If water is seen bubbling up in a roadway or flowing in an unusual place, or residents experience a water outage or unexplained low pressure, it may be the result of a broken water main. Current break investigations or active break repairs can be viewed on the MWS Outage map at Metro Water Services Outage Map | Nashville.gov.

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