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Tennessee is preparing for a significant winter storm expected to impact much of the state late Friday, January 23 through Sunday, January 25, followed by dangerously cold air that could keep conditions hazardous into next week. Winter weather creates the usual travel and power risks—but for property owners, the most expensive problem is often the quiet one: frozen plumbing that bursts and floods a home once temperatures rise or pressure returns.

This guide is written to help you reduce risk before the freeze, protect your building during the coldest window, and respond correctly if damage occurs.

The Real Risk: Freezing + Power Loss + Hidden Plumbing

When temperatures drop hard and stay there, pipes in crawlspaces, attics, exterior walls, garages, and under-sink cabinets become vulnerable. If the power goes out or the heat can’t keep up, that risk rises fast.

The goal is simple:

1. keep pipes warmer than freezing, and
2. reduce pressure and trapped water in the most exposed lines.

Your 15-Minute “Do This First” Checklist

If you do nothing else, do these today:

1) Disconnect and protect outdoor water sources

• Remove garden hoses.
• Cover exterior spigots with insulated faucet covers.
• If you have an interior shutoff for hose bibs, shut it off and drain the line.

2) Find the main water shutoff—test it

• Make sure you can turn it off quickly.
• In a burst-pipe situation, shutting off water immediately is the difference between a repair and a rebuild.

3) Insulate the obvious weak points

• Add foam pipe insulation where you can access it (crawlspace, garage, attic, under sinks).
• Use towels or temporary wrap on exposed pipes if you’re in a pinch.

4) Seal cold-air leaks that hit plumbing

• Plug gaps around pipe penetrations.
• Close or cover foundation vents if appropriate for your home’s setup.

5) Set the thermostat and keep it steady

• Avoid large temperature setbacks overnight.
• Consistent heat matters more than “saving a little” during a freeze event.

During the Freeze: Keep Water Moving and Heat Circulating

Keep indoor heat consistent

• Maintain a steady setpoint day and night.
• Open interior doors to improve warm-air circulation.

Open cabinets where plumbing sits on exterior walls

• Kitchens and bathrooms are common failure points.
• This one small step can prevent freeze-ups under sinks.

Use a controlled drip at the coldest hours

• A pencil-thin drip can relieve pressure and reduce freezing risk.
• Prioritize fixtures on exterior walls and the farthest runs from the water entry point.

Keep garage doors closed

• If plumbing runs through garage-adjacent walls or ceilings, a garage temperature drop can freeze pipes quickly.

If You’ll Be Away: Do Not Leave the House “Cold”

If you travel or leave town during a deep freeze:

• Leave heat on (commonly 55°F or higher).
• Open under-sink cabinets where plumbing sits on exterior walls.
• If you’re gone for an extended period and you understand your system, you can shut off the main water and drain lines—but if you’re not confident, don’t guess.

Warning Signs a Pipe Is Freezing

Act early if you see:

• Reduced water flow at one fixture
• Frost on exposed pipe sections
• A new odor from drains (can happen when traps behave oddly in cold conditions)

If you suspect a frozen pipe

• Turn the faucet on slightly.
• Warm the pipe gradually (hair dryer on low, warm towels).
• Do not use open flames.

If a Pipe Bursts or You Find Water: The Correct Emergency Sequence

1. Shut off the main water valve immediately
2. If safe, turn off power to affected areas (especially if water reached outlets, lights, or appliances)
3. Move valuables out of wet zones
4. Start drying: fans and dehumidification as soon as possible
5. Document damage for insurance (photos/video)
6. Call a qualified contractor to assess the source, affected materials, and the repair scope

Wright Construction of TN, Inc.: Local Help for Winter Damage Repairs

If a freeze causes a burst line, ceiling collapse, soaked insulation, warped floors, or moisture behind walls, Wright Construction of TN, Inc. can help you stabilize the damage and rebuild correctly—framing, drywall, insulation, flooring, painting, and the broader repair scope that often follows water intrusion.

Wright Construction is a Murfreesboro-based general contractor offering free estimates, with the capacity to handle everything from smaller repairs to full restoration and reconstruction work.