Knoxville and the greater East Tennessee area sit in a climate zone where hard freezes happen every winter — and occasionally hard enough to freeze pipes in homes that aren't adequately protected. In 2022 and 2023, East Tennessee saw freezes severe enough to cause thousands of burst pipe incidents across the region. Knowing how to protect your pipes before a freeze, and what to do if a pipe bursts, can save you tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?
Pipes in unconditioned spaces are most vulnerable. In Knoxville homes, that means pipes in crawlspaces (very common here), attics, garages, exterior walls with inadequate insulation, and outdoor hose bibs. Pipes that run through exterior walls with no insulation between the pipe and the outside sheathing are the most common culprit in burst pipe calls we receive.
How to Protect Your Pipes Before a Freeze
Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, attics, and garages with foam pipe insulation — it's inexpensive and makes a significant difference. Install heat tape on especially vulnerable sections and leave it plugged in during freezes. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor hose bibs — a connected hose traps water in the bib and the pipe behind it. Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls to let warm indoor air reach the pipes. Let faucets drip slightly (a pencil-width stream) during sustained temperatures below 20°F — moving water is far harder to freeze than standing water. Know where your main water shutoff is before any freeze event.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes (But Hasn't Burst Yet)
Open the faucet the frozen pipe supplies — this relieves pressure as the ice melts. Apply gentle heat to the pipe: a hair dryer is ideal. Start from the faucet end and work toward the frozen section. Never use an open flame, propane torch, or heat gun — these create fire risk and can damage pipes. Heat tape wrapped around the pipe is also effective. Once water flows normally, leave the faucet open for several minutes to ensure full flow.
If a Pipe Has Already Burst
Turn off the main water supply immediately — this is the most important action. Every second counts when a burst pipe is releasing water into your home. Shut off the water heater (for gas units, turn to pilot mode) to prevent it from running dry. Move valuables away from the water. Then call Honey Bear Plumbing at (865) 284-2424 — we respond to pipe burst emergencies throughout Knoxville and Greater East Tennessee.
Sources
Pipe freezing prevention guidance: American Red Cross, "Prevent Frozen Pipes" (redcross.org). Temperature thresholds for pipe freezing: Building Research Council, University of Illinois. Knoxville winter temperature averages: NOAA National Weather Service, Knoxville station data.