Frozen Pipes-How do I prevent them?

As winter weather approaches, take some preventive measures to avoid damage to your home. A frozen pipe bursting can lead to expensive repairs in just a few short minutes. Here are a few ways to prevent them:

Interior

• Keep your house temperature at 68 degrees or higher, even if you're leaving the house for an extended period of time.
• Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat from the home to circulate.
• Locate all shut-off valves in your home and make sure they work
• Seal any gaps around the home where cold air may penetrate and become in contact with piping. In the severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze. (Dryer vents, windows, doors etc)

Exterior

• Identify areas where pipes are on outside walls, ceilings, attics, etc.
• Disconnect all gardening hoses and install covers on all outside faucets.
• Turn off and drain all standard outside hose bibs.
• Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls with pipe insulation or with heating tape. This can prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.
• If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, shut off water supply valves.