JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Johnson City Water and Sewer Services Department is urging residents to protect pipes ahead of cold weather.

According to the department, pipes typically freeze when temperatures drop to 20 degrees or lower for extended periods.

The Storm Team 11 forecast predicts dangerously cold air will impact the region Sunday night and last through Thursday morning. Temperatures will dip into the low teens Sunday night with wind chills below zero.

The department provided the following tips to help residents protect water pipes.

Eliminate Drafts

• Keep doors and windows in the basement and garage tightly closed
• Close off crawl space vents and doors, and seal cracks in basement or crawl space walls

Insulate

• Insulate pipes in unheated portions of the house such as exterior walls, crawl spaces, basements, cabinets or any enclosure where air cannot circulate
• Be alert for damp insulation; water-soaked insulation can cause a freeze-up

Protect Meter

• Make sure your meter box cover is not broken, missing or ajar (These conditions allow freezing, cold air to penetrate the box’s insulation)
• Report missing or broken covers to the Water and Sewer Services Department at 423-461-1645

Protect outside faucets

• Outside faucets and sprinkler systems should be drained
• Garden hoses should be disconnected and drained
• Any space between the faucet and the exterior wall should be caulked
• Check with your plumber about frost-proof faucets

Drain pipes if leaving town

• When away from home for extended periods and the heat is not left on, turn the water off at the cutoff and drain the lines

Leave faucet running

• When temperatures reach the teens, leave a very thin stream of water running continuously from at least one tap
• It is important to note that faucets left running may have an adverse effect on septic tanks, other precautions should be taken

Open cabinet doors

• If a sink is on an outside wall, open vanity or cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach the water pipes

Thaw carefully

• Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe
• Use hot air from a hair dryer, vacuum cleaner exhaust, heat tape or light bulb

Locate shut-off valve

• Do not wait until a water pipe is broken to find the shut-off valve
• While the Water and Sewer Services Department is responding to your emergency call, you will be able to minimize your damage by quickly stopping the flow of water
• The City’s plumbing code requires a shut-off valve, this is usually located inside near where the main water line enters the house
• It may also be located in the basement, beneath the floor, in the garage or utility room
• Check with your builder or plumber to assist in locating the shut-off valve

For more information on water pipe maintenance, residents are asked to contact Water and Sewer Services at 423-461-1645 during business hours and 423-461-1643 during after-hours, weekends and holidays.