Cold weather can be a real hazard for your home and plumbing system. One of the biggest concerns is frozen pipes, which can burst and cause serious damage. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to take steps to prepare your home for cold weather.
The first thing you should do is make sure your home is properly insulated. This will help keep the warm air inside and the cold air out. Check your walls, windows, and doors for gaps or cracks and seal them up to keep the cold air out.
Next, disconnect and drain any outdoor hoses and turn off the water supply to any outdoor faucets. This will help prevent the water inside from freezing and causing the pipes to burst.
Inside your home, take steps to keep the air temperature above freezing. Keep your thermostat set to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re not home. You can also open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around your plumbing.
If you have pipes that are exposed to the cold, such as those in your attic or crawlspace, insulate them with pipe insulation or heat tape. This will help keep the water inside from freezing.
If you’re expecting freezing temperatures, let your faucets drip slightly. This will help prevent the water inside the pipes from freezing and expanding, which can cause the pipes to burst.
Finally, if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, shut off the main water supply and drain the pipes completely. This will help prevent any water inside from freezing and causing damage.
By taking these steps, you can help prevent frozen pipes and the damage they can cause. Remember, a little bit of preparation can go a long way in keeping your home safe and warm during the cold winter months.
