Scarf season is here! As the weather gets colder, it’s time to bundle up. However, people are not the only thing that need protection from the cold winter temperatures. Pipes in and around your home may be susceptible to damage from freezing conditions. Freezing pipes can burst and need replacing and causing water damage to the home. Avoid costly damages and prevent your pipes freezing with some easy tips.
Protect pipes outside your home.
• Make note of what pipes need to be protected against freezing. Pipes and faucets on the exterior of your home and other pipes near the exterior are the most prone to damage in colder weather.
• Remove all garden hoses and turn off the valves that connect to those exterior faucets. Empty hoses and drain faucets as much as possible. Cover all exterior faucets and pipes with insulators.
Insulate exposed plumbing.
• Pipes and plumbing that is exposed even inside the home may be vulnerable to freezing. Unheated areas of your home are especially prone to being effected during cold weather.
• You can prepare these pipes similarly to exterior pipes—cover them in insulation. Insulation is inexpensive and can save a lot of headaches down the road. If you’re concerned normal pipe insulation won’t protect them or want to use extra precautions, consider the slightly more expensive heat tape.
Leave your house warm.
• In general, it is advisable to keep your home temperature around 68 degrees Fahrenheit to protect plumbing. Even if you’re leaving your home for a few hours, setting the heat to at least 68 can save you some nasty winter damages.
• If you are leaving town, consider shutting off the water supply while you’re away. Drain your faucets and toilets inside to ensure you don’t come home to any frozen or broken pipes.
For more tips to protecting your home during the winter, talk to your VIP Insurance representative by contacting us today.