How to protect your pipes as temperatures drop across Central Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As temperatures begin to dip below freezing, experts are warning homeowners to take extra precautions to prevent their pipes from freezing — or worse, bursting.

Frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during the winter. A single burst pipe can release gallons of water in minutes, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Plumbing experts say it doesn’t have to be zero degrees outside for pipes to freeze — just a few hours below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can do serious damage, especially in uninsulated or exposed areas.

Homeowners are encouraged to take the following steps:

• Keep garage doors closed, especially if water lines run through the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to let warm air circulate around plumbing.
• Let faucets drip slightly overnight to keep water moving through the pipes.
• Keep your thermostat steady, both day and night.
• Never turn the heat below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you’re leaving town.
• Add insulation to attics, crawl spaces, and around exposed pipes to prevent freezing in the future.

Experts say these small actions can make a big difference during a cold snap.

For a more permanent fix, insulating pipes and sealing gaps around windows, doors and basements can help maintain warmth and reduce the risk of freezing.

As Central Virginia heads deeper into winter, homeowners are urged to prepare early and stay alert when temperatures start to plunge.