The threat of freezing pipes in Columbia will last longer than the ice storm. Here’s how long

After all that talk about winter storm Fern, likely many residents were expecting icier conditions this weekend.

There was some leftover ice on some roads Monday morning, but overall, ice accumulation was less than what was expected in the Columbia area. However, freezing temperatures this week can still lead to problems for residents.

According to the Columbia National Weather Service, in their latest briefing, temperatures in the Midlands could get as low as 10 degrees by Tuesday morning.

Additionally, a NWS meteorologist said that temperatures in Columbia will be at a low of 25 degrees or below through the upcoming weekend. He said that’s cold enough to risk damage to your house’s pipes, if you just leave them alone.

“A lot of houses in the South are not built with the same level of insulation they have up in the northern states,” the NWS meteorologist said. “And so with the pipes, when you don’t have anything running through them ... you’re at risk of them freezing over and breaking.”

Pipe bursts are the leading cause of property damage in winter weather, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

To avoid spending thousands of dollars in repair because of a busted pipe, follow these steps throughout the week and weekend until it gets hotter:

How to prevent frozen pipes

• Moving water won’t freeze in your pipes, so it’s important to let water drip from your faucet, especially if it’s in an unheated area, or they’re uninsulated
• Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are pipes in the garage
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing
• Keep the same temperature set all day and night, above 55 degrees
• Insulate pipes using foam sleeves or fiberglass wraps from your local hardware store

Thaw frozen pipes

If you’ve noticed a loss of water and think your pipes might have frozen, check with your neighbor to see if they’re having the same issue. Here are tips on how to thaw frozen pipes, according to Consumer Reports.

• Turn off water at main shut off valve
• Open the faucet so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. This will help melt more ice
• Apply heat to a frozen pipe, using items like an electric hair dryer or a heating pad. Don’t try to use an excessive amount of heat, which can lead to a pipe burst
• Apply heat until water pressure is restored in all pipes
• Call a licensed plumber if you can’t find the frozen pipe yourself