Winters in Middle Tennessee might not be as harsh as they are up north, but all it takes is one deep freeze to wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Every year, homeowners in Murfreesboro and Smyrna wake up to frozen pipes, broken outdoor faucets, or water leaks caused by sudden temperature drops. The good news? With a few proactive steps, you can prevent most of these issues before they start.
At Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro and Smyrna, we help homeowners protect their properties year-round. Our team knows exactly how Tennessee’s unpredictable winter weather affects your plumbing — and how to prevent the damage that cold snaps can cause.
Here’s how to get your plumbing ready before the next cold front rolls through.
Why “Cold Snaps” Are a Big Deal in Tennessee
Because winters here are relatively mild, most homeowners don’t think twice about their pipes. But that’s exactly what makes cold snaps dangerous. When temperatures drop below freezing overnight — even just for a day or two — unprotected plumbing can freeze and burst before you know it.
Water expands as it freezes, building pressure inside the pipe until it splits. The thawing process afterward is what causes leaks or flooding. The worst part? It often happens in areas you can’t see — behind walls, under cabinets, or in crawl spaces.
Common risk areas in Rutherford County homes include:
- Outdoor hose bibs and faucets.
- Pipes in crawl spaces or unheated garages.
- Plumbing along exterior walls.
- Water lines under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
You don’t have to live in the mountains to deal with frozen pipes — just one sharp temperature drop can do serious damage anywhere in Middle Tennessee.
Step 1: Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Exterior Faucets
If you leave hoses connected all winter, they hold water inside the spigot. When that water freezes, it can split the pipe behind the wall.
Before the first cold night:
- Disconnect all hoses and drain them completely.
- Shut off the outdoor water supply valve, if your home has one.
- Open the exterior faucet to let any remaining water drain out.
- Add an insulated faucet cover for extra protection.
These covers are inexpensive and available at any hardware store — a quick, easy defense against freezing temperatures.
Step 2: Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Tennessee homes often have plumbing routed through crawl spaces, garages, or exterior walls — places that cool off fast during a freeze. Wrapping those pipes in foam insulation sleeves or heat tape can make all the difference.
Focus on:
- Crawl space and garage plumbing lines.
- Pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Utility and laundry room pipes.
If you’re not sure where your vulnerable pipes are, Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro and Smyrna can inspect your home, locate exposed lines, and apply the correct insulation materials.
Step 3: Keep Indoor Air Circulating Around Pipes
When the temperature drops, warm air trapped in your home can help protect your plumbing — if it reaches the right places.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Keep interior doors open so warm air moves freely throughout the house.
- Don’t block floor vents with furniture or rugs.
- Maintain your home temperature at no lower than 55°F, even overnight or when you’re away.
That slight warmth is often enough to prevent freezing in pipes near exterior walls.
Step 4: Seal Cracks, Gaps, and Drafts
Even small openings in your home can let cold air in — and a single draft can freeze pipes near it. Check your crawl space, basement, and exterior walls for gaps around pipes, vents, or cables.
Seal those openings with expanding foam or silicone caulk to block cold air. If your crawl space has vents, close them during cold snaps to trap warmer air underneath your home.
Need help identifying those problem areas? Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro and Smyrna can inspect and seal them as part of a full winter home prep service.
Step 5: Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve Is
When a pipe bursts, every second counts. Knowing where your main shut-off valve is — and how to use it — can save you thousands in potential water damage.
Most valves are located:
- Near the water meter (often in crawl spaces or basements).
- In utility rooms where the main line enters the home.
Turn the valve clockwise to shut off water flow immediately if you suspect a burst. Then, open a faucet to relieve pressure while you wait for professional help.
Step 6: Protect Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder in colder months, even in Tennessee. Flushing the tank at least once a year removes sediment buildup that reduces efficiency. If your unit sits in an unheated area like a garage, wrap it with an insulation blanket to retain heat and lower your energy costs.
If you notice any signs of corrosion, leaks, or slow heating, schedule service before the next freeze. A poorly performing water heater is often the first sign your system needs maintenance.
Step 7: Watch for Warning Signs of Freezing Pipes
Even with preparation, freezing can still happen — especially during unexpected cold spells. Look out for these signs:
- Little or no water flow from faucets.
- Unusual clanking or gurgling sounds.
- Visible frost on pipes in crawl spaces.
- Unexplained damp spots or water stains.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, shut off your water immediately and call Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro and Smyrna for help before the pipe bursts.
Step 8: Keep Crawl Spaces Warm
Crawl spaces are the most common trouble spots in local homes. A few smart upgrades can help:
- Close foundation vents during winter.
- Add foam board insulation to walls.
- Place a small space heater (with proper safety precautions) during extreme cold.
You can also have our team install insulation barriers and weatherproof covers to help your plumbing stay protected year-round.
Step 9: Plan Ahead Before Traveling
If you’re heading out of town for the holidays, take precautions to prevent frozen pipes while you’re away:
- Set your thermostat to at least 55°F.
- Shut off the main water supply.
- Drain outdoor faucets and open indoor ones slightly to allow pressure release.
- Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your home if temperatures drop.
Preventing an emergency while you’re gone is far easier — and cheaper — than coming home to a flooded kitchen.
Step 10: Schedule Preventive Maintenance
Your plumbing system isn’t something to gamble with. Regular maintenance is the best way to stay ahead of problems.
At Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro and Smyrna, our professionals can:
- Inspect for leaks, cracks, and aging fittings.
- Insulate and seal plumbing in exposed areas.
- Flush water heaters and test shut-off valves.
- Make small repairs before they turn into major issues.
You don’t need a hard freeze to justify prevention — Tennessee’s temperature swings alone can cause stress fractures in pipes.
Why Choose Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro & Smyrna
- Local expertise: We understand Middle Tennessee’s weather patterns and common plumbing issues.
- Reliable service: Our technicians are background-checked, insured, and punctual.
- High-quality workmanship: Every job is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®.
- Convenient scheduling: Book inspections and repairs at a time that fits your routine.
We don’t just fix problems — we help prevent them, saving you time, money, and stress.
Call Today to Prepare Your Plumbing for Cold Snaps
Cold weather doesn’t have to catch you off guard. Let our experts make sure your plumbing system is ready before temperatures drop.
Call Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro and Smyrna or visit mrhandyman.com/murfreesboro-smyrna to schedule your plumbing inspection and winter preparation service today.
