As winter sets in, freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing.
To prevent pipes from freezing, here’s what you can do to protect your home:
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Ensure that pipes in unheated areas, like basements, crawl spaces, and garages, are properly insulated. Wrapping them with pipe insulation helps prevent heat loss and reduces the risk of freezing.
- Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks: If you have pipes under sinks, especially those located against exterior walls, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes.
- Let Faucets Drip: During extremely cold temperatures, let a small stream of water drip from the faucets furthest from your main water valve. This keeps water moving through the pipes and prevents pressure from building up, which can lead to freezing.
- Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses: Remove any hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them to prevent water from freezing inside. Be sure to shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets to avoid any risk of freezing.
- Shut Off Outdoor Water Valves: To further protect against frozen pipes, locate and shut off your outdoor water valves, ensuring no water remains in the pipes outside.
- Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature: Keep your home’s temperature consistent, especially during extremely cold weather. Avoid setting the thermostat too low at night, as it can lead to pipes freezing.
- Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is: In case of a frozen or burst pipe, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located can help prevent extensive water damage. Turn off the valve immediately if you suspect a pipe has frozen or burst.
By following these tips, you can reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes and avoid costly repairs this winter.
