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Published on January 21, 2025
Gatlinburg Utilities Issues Urgent Advisory for Residents to Protect Pipes Amid Freezing ForecastSource: City of Gatlinburg

As the chill descends on Gatlinburg, the local Utilities Department is issuing critical advisories to residents: it's time to shield your water pipes from the inevitable freeze. The National Weather Service has laid out a stark forecast, with temperatures anticipated to skid to single digits overnight between January 19 and January 21, and to hold steady below 20 degrees thereafter on January 22. Gatlinburg residents are to act quickly, taking steps to protect their water systems against the frigid onslaught.

According to Gatlinburg Utilities' official warnings, there are several key strategies that individuals can to adopt to stave off frozen or even burst pipes. Dwellers should find their main water shutoff valve, keeping their household in the know in the event of emergency. A small trickle of water should be allowed to run through pipes to keep them from freezing, and cabinet doors can remain open to let warmer air circulate, cozying up to the pipes. Residents need to also survey their homes, spotting any exposed pipes particularly in vulnerable areas like crawl spaces and garages, and wrapping them securely in insulation.

"Being able to take precautions and making sure simple measures are implemented can prevent frozen water pipes in your home," Gatlinburg Utilities Manager Dale Phelps emphasized. The dangers of neglect are clear—without preventive action, the utilities infrastructure stands at risk of succumbing to the cold.

In the unfortunate event that pipes do freeze over, households should know to immediately locate and turn off their main water shut-off valve before attempting to thaw them. The Gatlinburg Utilities Department strongly cautions against using direct heat or flame to resolve the situation. Instead, residents can use a safer approach by gently warming the air around the pipes with devices such as hair dryers or space heaters, making sure to never leave a space heater unattended. After successfully thawing, water should be slowly reintroduced to the system, allowing homeowners to easily identify any resultant cracks or leaks that might have occurred.

As temperatures continue to nosedive, the message to the community is unambiguous: don't delay, insulate today. Gatlinburg's residents are being called upon to hunker down and protect their homes with thoroughness and expedience. The Utilities Department's guidance is not merely a list of suggestions, but a blueprint for action against the creeping cold that seeks to undermine the heart of their resilient mountain town.