REAL LIFE

BY MOLLY NICHOLAS

Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

As the temperatures outside dip below freezing, it's important to understand how to prevent frozen pipes and take the steps to prevent winter damage to your home. Read on to learn a few simple tricks to protect your pipes from freezing and keep the water running in cold weather.

Disconnect outdoor hoses. After you finish your outdoor gardening, disconnect, drain, and store your hoses. Close any shut-off valves that supply outdoor hose bibs and open the faucet outside to drain the line. Keep it open throughout the winter to allow space for any water that remains in the pipe to expand. Use faucet covers throughout the colder months for extra protection against frozen pipes. Additionally, drain water from any sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer's directions.

Insulate your pipes. Pipe insulation is fairly inexpensive and available at most home improvement stores. Insulate any pipes located in unheated areas, such as in the attic, basement, crawl spaces, or garage. In extreme cold, pipes underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks are also vulnerable to freezing. Apply foam insulation liberally to provide a buffer against frigid temperatures.

Seal air leaks. Inspect your home for any cracks or openings that could let in cold air. Seal any holes around the piping in interior or exterior walls and the sill plates, where your home rests on its foundation. Additionally, since leaving your garage open is like creating a giant air leak, always keep the door closed unless you're going in or out.

Open under cabinet doors. Ensure warm air can circulate evenly throughout your home during cold snaps. Leave interior doors ajar and open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to distribute heat consistently around rooms. Remove any household chemicals or potentially harmful cleaners from open cabinets if you have small children or pets at home.

Let the facuets drip. Even a small trickle of water can prevent ice from forming inside your pipes. When it's bitter cold outside, start a drip of water from all faucets served by exposed pipes. Leaving a few faucets running slightly will also relieve pressure inside the pipes and help prevent a rupture if the water inside freezes.

Maintain a constant indoor temperature. Set your thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day and night. In normal weather, bumping down your thermostat at night or when you are home may help save money but in extreme cold, maintaining a steady temperature is key to keeping your pipes free of ice. And if you'll be away from home during cold weather, ensure your thermostat is set to at least 55°F. The few extra dollars you'll spend on your utility bill will be well worth the thousands you'll save by avoiding a burst pipe.

Lastly, if you suspect you have a frozen pipe, start by turning on the faucet. If only a drip or trickle of water flows out, you likely have an ice blockage. Next, carefully inspect the exposed pipe for any cracks or breaks. If any pipes have burst, turn off the main water supply for the house and immediately call a plumber for assistance. Attempting to thaw a pipe that has already burst can cause water to flow out and flood your home.