Do you really need to drip your faucet? What to do as MS extreme cold temperatures continue
Dangerously cold temperatures aren’t just threatening to people and pets — they’re also a problem for plumbing.
And since the freezing weather conditions in Mississippi look like they’re sticking around for a while, according to the National Weather Service New Orleans, residents need to know how to best protect their homes.
“It’s going to get FRIGID again,” the NWS New Orleans said in a Jan. 27 post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Here’s how Mississippians can protect their homes as extreme cold temperatures continue.
Drip your faucet
Yes, you really should allow your faucet to drip a little when the weather drops below freezing to protect your pipes, according to the Mississippi Insurance Department. Also open the cabinet doors under your sinks to protect the interior pipes.
Another way to protect your pipes is to wrap any exposed pipes before hard freeze conditions, according to the NWS New Orleans.
Detach garden hoses from your home
It’s a simple set that you should do before winter to minimize the risk of frozen and cracked pipes, experts said.
Remove debris from gutters
This is something you can do yourself or contact a professional to help you. Cleaning leaves and other debris from your gutter will prevent ice from getting stuck, allowing meltwater to drain, experts at the Mississippi Insurance Department said.
Protect your heating system
Make sure your heating system is properly functioning by inspecting it, changing the air filter, sealing any drafts from doors or windows in your home and maintaining a consistent temperature inside, said experts at Southern AIR, an air conditioning, heating and plumbing company.
