WINTER TIPS – TO PREVENT FREEZING PIPES

BEFORE COLD WEATHER HITS

• Know the location of your water shut-off valve and test it regularly.

If a pipe breaks, you won’t want to have to find it then or, worse, wait for someone to arrive at your place to find it for you. In most single-family homes, the shut-off valve is in the basement or the crawl space, on a wall facing the street.

• Turn off and drain automatic and manual sprinkler systems before first freeze.

You’ll thank yourself in the spring. The alternate freezing and thawing of water in the system can create cracks and weak spots, triggering silent underground leaks or mini-geysers.

• Turn off outdoor faucets and be sure to disconnect hoses from them.

Make sure the faucet and the outside portion of the pipes are fully drained. A valve inside many houses will shut off the water’s flow; then open and close the tap outside to release any water in the pipe. Disconnect the hose to ensure that freeze-proof faucets will drain and to avoid damage to the hose from freezing water.

• Winterize unheated or vacant buildings.

Significant property damage and water loss can occur before burst pipes are discovered in vacant buildings. If your vacant building has a fire protection system, make sure there is no danger that the water servicing this system might freeze.

• Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold or have caused problems before.

Pipes close to exterior walls or in unheated basements can be wrapped with pieces of insulation. Don’t overlook pipes near windows, which can quickly freeze. For particularly difficult pipes, consult a professional on how to select and apply heat tape. Caution: Improper use of heat tape can cause fires. Never put heat tape on the water meter to avoid damaging plastic components of the meter.

DURING FREEZING WEATHER

• Keep open cabinet doors leading to exposed pipes (such as access doors for sinks), so that household air can warm them.

The natural flow of warmer air will help combat many problems.

• If you have an attached garage, keep its doors shut.

Occasionally, plumbing is routed through this unheated space, leaving it vulnerable to winter’s worst.

• Crack a faucet farthest from the place where your water enters the house.

A very slow drip will keep water molecules moving, reducing the chance that pipes will freeze. Place a bucket underneath the faucet so the water can be saved for other household uses.

Keep your thermostat set above 65 degrees when leaving your house or business for several days