Frozen Pipes are a Homeowner’s Nightmare

Take Precautions to Avoid Home Damage

We’ve been lucky thus far to avoid a heavy snowfall, but the low temperatures of late can wreak nearly as much trouble on your home. Hopefully, you took precautions to safeguard you home from frozen pipes, but if not, don’t wait another day.

Pipes that are at highest risk for trouble are:

• Exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as attics, basements, and garages
• Pipes on exterior walls
• Water sources in sheds or cottages
• A unattended garden hose, which can cause interior damage
• Other outdoor pipes such as pools and sprinkler systems

Take these preparatory precautions:

• Check insulation on all pipes you have access to. Replace damaged or worn insulation where necessary.
• Weather seal areas mentioned as high risk, such as basements, garages, attics, cottages.
• Take care of the outdoors – have you winterized your pool and lawn sprinkler system?
• Make sure your family and property manager knows where water main shutoff is.
• Keep doors open on bathrooms and other small rooms that contain pipes to keep warm air circulating.
• Leaved water dripping or trickling in a sink to prevent freezing.
• Cautiously consider heat cables or heat tape for exposed pipes.

How to keep your empty summer home safe and warm:

• Leave the temperature no lower than 55 degrees.
• Leave cabinets open where there are pipes inside, such as under the kitchen and bathroom sinks.
• Shut of the water main.
• Shut off water supply to washing machine.
• If you’ll be gone for any length of time, contract a property manager to periodically check for leaks or damage