01/26/2026
With temperatures dropping significantly this week, the risk of frozen and burst pipes is very high. A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, but a few simple steps can help protect your home.
Protect Your Plumbing Now:
• Disconnect Hoses: Remove, drain, and store all garden hoses. Crucially, shut off the interior valve leading to your exterior hose bibs (faucets) and leave the exterior faucet open to allow any trapped water to escape.
• Open Cabinets: Open cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially those on exterior walls, to allow your home’s warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Insulate Vulerable Areas: If you have pipes in unheated spaces (garages, crawl spaces, attics), check that they are properly insulated.
• Drip Water: When temperatures are severely cold, let a pencil-thin stream of cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
• Maintain Heat: Keep your thermostat set to at least 68 (even if you leave your home for a short time).
•What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a faucet and only get a trickle or no water, you likely have a frozen pipe.
1. Keep the Faucet Open: This releases pressure and allows water to flow as the pipe thaws.
2. Locate the Freeze: If the pipe is accessible, you can try to thaw it using a hairdryer or heating pad. NEVER use an open flame.
3. Call a Professional: If you cannot locate the frozen section or are unsure how to proceed, call us immediately.
For emergency service or to schedule a pre-winter pipe check, please contact us at:
803-206-9110
Stay safe and warm!
Sincerely, Essential Service Of The Midlands 
