Wintertime is here and with it comes frigid temperatures that can cause pipes to freeze or burst in your home. While the weather can't be controlled, you can take preventive measures to prepare your home for the freezing conditions of winter with our 5 tips to prevent frozen pipes.
1. Keep the Heat On
Keep your thermostat set to 65 degrees when you go out of town or are away from a 2nd home. If you have a rental property, be sure to send your tenants a friendly reminder to keep the heat on over the winter months.
2. Seal Up Cracks and Holes
Cold outside air that finds its way inside can become a real problem. Check for gaps or holes, particularly where pipes run through walls and floors. Use caulk or spray foam insulation to fill the gaps. If possible, seal both sides of the wall or floor.
3. Open Cabinets and Interior Doors
Allow the warm air inside your home to be evenly distributed by keeping interior doors open. If you have a sink against an exterior wall, you might want to keep the cabinets below slightly ajar to let some warm air in.
4. Disconnect the Hose
If your hose is left connected, water is not able to drain out of the hose bib. The trapped water can freeze and cause the device to break. If this doesn't cause an issue in the winter, it sure will in the spring when your sprinklers are turned back on.
5. Know Where Your Water Shutoff Valve Is
Take the time now to make sure you and your family can easily access the shutoff valve. This will save precious time in the unfortunate event of a water leak.
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