South Carolina: How to protect your pipe, pets, people from cold

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With below-freezing temperatures set to grip the region by Friday, the time is now to prepare homes to avoid frozen pipes – and potentially costly repairs.

Douglas Young, the owner of Young Plumbing Services, reminds people there are several things they can do before the temperatures drop to protect their pipes. He encourages people to close foundation vents, disconnect hoses and wrap wall faucets and exposed pipes in insulation. According to Young, it's also a good idea to let the faucet run a little overnight.

"The biggest thing on the extremely cold nights is the farthest fixture away from your meter or your well pump, have one or two faucets of a little bit more than dripping … a little stream of water," Young said. "Moving water freezes a lot slower than water standing still."

Young said taking these measures can help make a difference.

"When it comes to water damage, it makes a big difference," Young said. "If anybody has ever replaced hardwood floors or sheetrock, they know how expensive that can get real quick and these small steps can potentially save you from having that catastrophic damage."

Check the latest forecast here.

Water and sewer officials in South Carolina say some simple steps taken ahead of time can save the stress and cost of dealing with the potential of damaged pipes.

It's good to remember that property owners are responsible for the maintenance of water service lines from the meter to the home, as well as any in-home pipes, experts say.

Frozen water lines typically occur in areas such as crawl spaces or along the outside walls where unprotected plumbing tends to be more vulnerable to the elements.

What to do now:

Once cold weather arrives, follow these tips:

If pipes do freeze:

"Never use generators, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, in garages, or near windows," the CDC says. "The fumes are deadly."

Using the stove for heat is not safe, the CDC warns; instead, use extra blankets, sleeping bags or coats. A well-maintained fireplace or a portable space heater may be a safe alternative.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say if you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Protect yourself:

If you have to spend any amount of time outdoors through Sunday, take the following steps to stay safe:

Protect your pets: