9 Steps to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing
Each winter, low temperatures pose a serious threat to the pipes in your home. Because water expands as it freezes, it creates incredible pressure on pipes regardless of their strength or what material they are made from. Help prevent pipes from freezing — and even worse, bursting — with these nine steps.
- Disconnect garden hoses and drain water from water sprinkler supply lines.
- Install covers on all outside faucets and close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, then open the bibs to allow water to drain.
- Keep indoor temperature at a minimum of 68 degrees at all times.
- On very cold days, let water trickle from faucets connected to exposed pipes to relieve some of the water pressure.
- Wrap pipes that run against exterior walls and in crawl spaces with heating tape or pipe insulation or sleeves.
- Consider insulating exterior walls and all unheated areas. Don’t forget about the attic, basement, and garage.
- Weather-seal windows and securely shut those near pipes.
- Cover and close open-air vents to prevent wind chill from freezing nearby pipes.
- Before heading out of town, shut off the water supply valves and run both hot and cold taps until the pipes are clear.
Protect your home from water damage in these four other areas.
© 2015 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
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