Greetings friends and happy new year!
We write today because we will be seeing freezing temperatures this week and possibly snow. This is a good time to get prepared to protect your home and property if you haven’t done so already.
Here are some tips we recommend to prepare for freezing weather:
- Insulate Pipes: Ensure that exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces, are adequately insulated. Foam insulation sleeves or wraps can be used to cover pipes.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Seal any cracks or gaps in walls, windows, doors, and foundations where cold air might enter and affect the pipes.
- Disconnect Garden Hoses: Remove and drain all outdoor hoses, frost free hydrants and shut off outdoor water valves. Consider installing outdoor faucet covers to protect them from freezing temperatures.
- Keep Faucets Dripping: During extremely cold weather, allow a small, steady drip of water to flow from the faucet furthest from your water meter. This will help prevent the pipes from freezing.
- Maintain Heating: Keep the indoor temperature consistent, especially in areas where pipes are located. Set thermostats to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Inspect and Repair: Regularly check for leaks or cracks in pipes. If any issues are found, promptly repair them to prevent further damage.
- Close Crawl Space Vents: If your home has crawl spaces, consider closing vents to limit exposure to freezing temperatures.
- Drain Irrigation Systems: If you have an irrigation system, make sure to drain it completely before the onset of freezing temperatures.
- Communicate: We encourage communication among neighbors regarding winterization steps. Share tips and information to ensure everyone is adequately prepared.
- Emergency Preparedness: In case of extremely cold temperatures, familiarize yourself with the location of the main shut-off valve in case of a pipe burst. Knowing how to turn off the water supply quickly can prevent significant damage.
- Professional Inspection: Consider hiring a professional plumber to inspect the system and provide recommendations for winterization, especially for older or vulnerable systems.
By taking these precautions, you can help protect your home’s water pipes from freezing and bursting this and every winter.