Winter has arrived and we’ve experienced the first of undoubtedly many winter weather advisories. When the forecast calls for freezing rain, snow and record low temperatures, you want to make sure your plumbing is prepared.
Which Pipes Are At Risk?
- Pipes located on the exterior of the home that are in direct contact with the elements
- Pipes located in exterior walls (especially walls that aren’t insulated well)
- Exposed pipes located in unheated areas of the home
Tips For Preventing Freezing:
- Let the water drip over night from faucets that are connected to pipes that run along exterior walls.
- Open kitchen/bathroom cabinets on exterior walls that house pipes, allowing the warm air in your home to circulate and reach the pipes.
- Set up a portable space heater and direct it towards exposed pipes in unheated areas (basements, crawl spaces). Make sure anything flammable is a safe distance away and do not leave space heaters unattended.
- Don’t turn the thermostat down at night. You may experience a slightly higher heating bill but it’s better than paying for a costly repair due to pipes freezing and bursting.
- Shut off outside water.
