Preventing Frozen Pipes and Water Damage

2/10/2016 (Permalink)

We are expecting the coldest air of the season to move in this week.  Frigid air, bitter cold artic blast is expected through Sunday.  Here's what you need to know to be prepared and prevent water damage to your home:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
• Shut off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to “off .”
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.
• Proper maintainance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.
• Tag the location of your main water valve and make sure you can easily turn it on and off.
• If you have a thermostat that is battery operated, be sure to replace it regularly.
• If you have a thermostat that uses a battery, be sure to replace it regularly.
• Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape.

Following these precautionary steps to protect your plumbing will help you avoid water damage cleanup to your home after a burst pipe.