JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Local plumbing businesses are bracing for the possibility that of pipes across the First Coast could freeze or burst during the cold weather.

“The last few times it got cold in Florida, we stayed pretty busy," said plumbing estimator, Jerry Richardson.

According to experts, homes in the South are prone to cold weather because they’re located outside of insulated areas.

“You can go to your local hardware store and buy insulation to cover your pipes, and it’s pretty easy to do,” Richardson said.

Homeowners should insulate pipes located inside bathroom vanities, as well as under kitchen sinks.

“Many people forget their pool pumps as well, so make sure those are on and running,” he said.

If you experience a frozen pipe that you can locate and access, you should apply heat until the water escaping the faucet returns to full strength. A hairdryer, portable space heater and hot towels can be used to fix the problem.

Broken pipes can cost anywhere from $100 to more than $1,000.

Jacksonville, Fla.— Local plumbing businesses are bracing for hundreds of potential frozen and burst pipes across the First Coast.

“The last few times it got cold in Florida, we stayed pretty busy, “plumbing estimator, Jerry Richardson said.

According to experts, homes in the South are prone to cold weather because they’re located outside of insulated areas.

“You can go to your local hardware store and buy insulation to cover your pipes, and it’s pretty easy to do,” Richardson said.

Homeowners should insulate pipes located inside bathroom vanities and under kitchen sinks as well.

“Many people forget their pool pumps as well, so make sure those are on and running,” he said.

If you experience a frozen pipe that you can locate and access, you should apply heat until the water escaping the faucet returns to full strength. A hair dryer, portable space heater and hot towels can be used to fix the problem.

Broken pipes can cost anywhere from 100 to more than $1,000.