Welcome back to F & G’s Homeowner Tips! We hope you and your family had a safe and happy holiday’s! Now that December is ending and January is approaching, this means stronger winter weather and freezes are in the horizon. During the winter, one of the most common concerns for homeowners are preventing frozen pipes. Below, the F & G team has put together a list of 5 tips for you to follow this winter season to prevent frozen and busted pipes:
- Tip #1 – Frequently check the unheated areas of your home: Pipes that are located in unheated areas of the home are at a higher risk of freezing. These pipes can typically be found in attics, garages and under bathroom/kitchen sinks. It is important to pay attention to these pipes and take the precautionary actions to prevent them from freezing, like insulating the pipes with a pipe sleeve or heat tape. By covering your pipes in advanced, this can protect the pipes from freezing and is much more cost effective than spending thousands of dollars on a frozen or busted pipe.
- Tip #2 – Keep a steady temperate within your home at all times: Your pipes have a better chance at remaining in good condition if the temperature in your house remains steady throughout the day and night. Additionally, when leaving for vacation during the winter, make sure to leave your heater on and set at a MINIMUM of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The steadier the temperature ensures protected pipes and money saved.
- Tip #3 – Turn off outdoor faucets: All outdoor faucets should be shut off and drained of any remaining water before a cold front comes through. Better yet, removing the hose completely from the outdoor faucet will ensure no damage to the pipe. Remember, once this is done, make sure the outdoor faucet can remain open for a while to let any remaining water drain from the pipe.
- Tip #4 – Open interior faucets: By turning the interior faucet handles slightly on, this allows a small flow of water and prevents the pipe from freezing. The moving water helps relieve the pressure many freezes can bring and makes it less likely that the pipe will freeze with the constant, minimal flow of water. This tip is one of the easiest to fulfill as it requires minimal effort and time, but is just as effective as the rest. This tip also comes in handy whenever a cold front is fast approaching.
- Tip #5 – Keep your garage door closed at all times: By doing this, you are keeping the garage warmer and in return, adding an extra layer of protection to the water supply lines that are in the garage. Therefore, the next time a cold front is approaching, keep that garage door closed until the freeze is over to protect the pipes within the garage.
By following along with these tips, you can save money and prevent frozen pipes. Preparation of these tips before the winter weather hits is the best way to ensure success. We wish you and your family a Happy New Year! Don’t forget to check back for a new ‘Homeowner Tips with F & G’ in 2021.
- Fontenelle & Goodreau Insurance, LLC