Cold temperatures are moving in. Here’s how to prevent frozen pipes.
As the weather drops, frozen or burst pipes become one of the most common winter issues for homeowners. The good news is that a few simple steps can help protect your home and avoid costly water damage.
Here are easy ways to prevent frozen pipes this winter:
• Open cabinet doors
Leave cabinet doors open under kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially those located along exterior walls. This allows warm air from the home to circulate around the pipes.
• Let faucets drip
Allow faucets to drip slowly to keep water moving. Turn on both hot and cold taps since they run through separate pipes.
If the dripping stops, ice may already be blocking the line. Keep the faucet open to help relieve pressure.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses
Remove all garden hoses from exterior spigots and confirm the outside water supply is turned off.
• Be mindful of your garage temperature
If your water meter or plumbing is located near the garage, avoid leaving the garage door open for extended periods of time.
• Insulate exposed pipes
For pipes located in non heated areas such as garages or utility rooms, add pipe wrap insulation to help prevent freezing.
• Have someone check your home while you are away
If you are traveling, ask a trusted friend or family member to stop by and make sure the heat is still on.
If no water comes out when you turn on a faucet:
Your pipe may be frozen. You can sometimes thaw it using warm air from a hair dryer. Keep the faucet open while doing this and never stand in water while using an electric appliance. Do not use open flames or torches.
If a pipe has already burst:
Turn off the main water shut off valve immediately and contact a licensed plumber. Leave faucets open to release pressure.
Make sure everyone in your household knows where the shut off valve is located and how to use it. It is typically found near the water meter, and many newer homes have two valves located before and after the meter.
Taking a few preventative steps now can save thousands in potential water damage later.
If you have questions about winter home prep or protecting your property during extreme cold, I am always happy to help.
