Removed Garden Hoses, Closed Vents, Dripping Sinks Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

The Cookeville Water Department advises home and business owners to take precaution to protect your pipes as temperatures drop.

Operations Superintendent Carey Aitken said there are three simple yet important steps to take.

“The ones that are probably the easiest for them are going to be to remove their garden hoses from their spigot and use styrofoam covers over those faucets to keep them from freezing,” Aitken said.

Aitken said close all foundation vents and crawl spaces to help prevent dropping temperatures below your home. Aitken said dripping water at your kitchen sink keeps the flow so the water does not sit.

“If the water does freeze, then a lot of times it ends up flooding whether it be a basement or we’ve seen people have hardwood floors damaged where the water gets into the house,” Aitken said.

Aitken said in the event of a busted pipe, property owners need to know where their shut off valve is located. Aitken said most times, it can be found where the water service enters a home.

“If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to call us,” Aitken said. “We always have crew members and staff on call that are available 24/7 to help.”

To report a leak between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, dial 931-520-5239. For After Hour Emergencies please call the Cookeville Police Department at 931-526-2125 and they will contact our On-Call personnel.