Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
As temperatures drop, a little preparation can go a long way in preventing frozen pipes and costly damage. Below are simple steps you can take- whether you’re staying home or heading out of town.
If You Are Traveling:
- Leave cabinet doors open under sinks in kitchen and bathrooms so warm air can reach the pipes.
- Have a friend or neighbor check your home to make sure the heat is working.
- Keep your thermostat at 60°F or higher. Don’t turn the heat off.
- Turn your water heater down to save energy, but don’t turn it off.
- Use a freeze alarm to get a phone alert if your home gets too cold.
- Consider shutting off your main water supply before you leave.
If You Are Staying Home:
Even when you are not traveling it is always important to take precautions against freezing.
- Let a small stream of water run at night from faucets on outside walls to help prevent freezing.
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air in.
- Know where your main water shut off valve is in case of an emergency.
- Keep garage doors closed to help keep pipes warmer.
- Insulate pipes in cold areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
What to Do If Your Pipes Do Freeze:
- Turn off your home’s main water valve.
- Warm the frozen pipe slowly with a hair dryer, space heater, or warm towels.
- Never use an open flame or torch to thaw pipes.
- Leave a faucet open so water can flow once the pipe melts.
- Check for leaks or cracks after the pipe thaws.
Extra Tips:
- Seal drafts around windows, doors, and foundation openings to keep cold air away from plumbing.
- Unhook and drain garden hoses and winterize outdoor faucets.
- Close or insulate crawl-space vents during very cold weather.
A few simple steps can help you avoid frozen pipes and protect your home all winter long.
