Frigid nights ahead for Central Virginia: How to keep your pipes from bursting

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- There's a few frigid nights ahead for much of Central Virginia. Here's a few things you can do to make sure those low temperatures don't destroy your pipes.

Overnight temperatures between Thursday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 29 will drop below freezing in many parts of Central Virginia.

Early Saturday morning, some localities will reach lows of 17 degrees, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

(Photo: National Weather Service)

Chilly temperatures like this are dangerous not only for you and your loved ones, but for your pipes. When the water inside them freezes into ice, it expands — and that can cause your pipes to burst, creating a huge, expensive mess.

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The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has the following tips to subvert such a disaster:

• Warm up your home. Set your thermostat to over 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep the water in your pipes moving. Drip cold water from the faucet furthest from your main valve.
• Share as much warmth with your pipes as possible. Open the doors of cupboards and vanities where your pipes are, like under your sink, to help them keep warm. Ensure pipes in unheated areas are insulated.
• Give the water a way out. Close inside valves, open outside valves and open outside spigots to allow water to drain safely.
• Be prepared for the worst. Make sure you know where your emergency shut-off valve is.

You'll find your emergency shut-off valve where the water supply enters your home. This is usually your basement or a concrete box near the street. You can switch off this valve by using either a pipe or a crescent wrench to operate the valve.

If you have a setup with an outside box, you may need to open it with a screwdriver. You can make it even easier to find the valve in the dark by marking it with fluorescent paint or a piece of tape.

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For further tips, click here or visit protectyourpipes.org.