How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
- Cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers.
- Turn off the sprinkler system.
- If the temperature drops below 20 degrees, keep one or two faucets running slowly at all times. Water running through the system will prevent the line from freezing.
- Keep the cabinet under the kitchen sink open so warm air can flow around the pipes.
- Cover exposed pipes (both indoors and out) with insulating foam covers.
- Call your landlord or property manager immediately if you suspect a pipe has frozen for further instructions.
How to Prep the Inside of Your Home for Winter Weather
- Cover or remove your window air conditioners.
- Turn your ceiling fans on low in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to circulate warm air.
- Inspect fireplaces, and chimneys before using, and have them cleaned if needed.
How to Prep the Outside of Your Home for Winter Weather
- Bring in potted plants from outdoors.
- Cover any outside plants with insulating materials, remember to remove it once the temperature pops above freezing.
- Brush off snow after each snowfall from trees and plants with a broom to prevent them from breaking due to heavy snow buildup.
Additional Friendly Winter Reminders:
- Check the antifreeze levels in your car.
- Add freeze resistant windshield wiper fluid and spray it a couple times to circulate the lines.
Steps to Take if a Pipe Bursts:
- Immediately locate your main water supply and shut it off to minimize flooding. This may involve simply flipping the shut-off valve in your home, or it may require you to call your municipal water company and request they send personnel to shut off the water supply to your home or building.
- Dry out the affected area by removing as much water as possible using mops, sponges, towels, and a shop vac or wet/dry vacuum.
Special Notes for Renters:
If you are renting, it is vital to promptly call your landlord or property manager’s emergency maintenance line for further instructions. Ensure that you immediately follow your property manager’s instructions for addressing the problem; addressing the issue incorrectly or with delay can lead to additional damage that you may be responsible to pay. If water has damaged items that you own, be sure to take note in case you need to make a renters insurance claim.
There are a few things you can do to prevent frozen pipes for the future:
- Leave your faucet running at a trickle during the coldest parts of the day or night. Keeping the water flowing can keep your pipes from freezing.
- Open any cabinet doors to warm up the pipes under your sinks and inside cabinets.
- Wrap your pipe with electrical heat tape when your area is due for a freeze.
- Insulate your pipes with foam insulation. Keep in mind that Insulation merely slows the transfer of heat and will not prevent a pipe from freezing if the temperatures drop enough.
- Remove garden hoses attached to outdoor faucets and cover them with a foam protector.
- Heat unheated areas (such as an attached garage or basement) with a permanent heater, to keep the temperature above freezing.
- Note: Do not use a portable space heater for this purpose, since they should never be left running unattended.
