When the Clock Falls Back, Turn Your Sprinklers OFF This Winter!
When the clock falls back, turn your sprinklers OFF this winter!
Frozen pipes can leave you without water in the worst of weather, and cost a lot to repair. But with a few simple steps, you can easily preserve both your budget and your peace of mind.
Before The Cold Weather Sets In:
- Check sprinklers and irrigation systems. Make sure everything is turned off and drained.
- Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines. Fix drafty windows and plug drafts around doors. Identify your home’s freezing points.
- Know how to shut off your water.
- Protect your pipes. Wrap them with insulation.
When Temperatures Stay Below Freezing:
- If pipes run through cabinets or vanities, open the doors to let warmer room temperatures flow in.
- Keep water moving through the pipes by allowing a small trickle of water to run.
If Your Pipes Do Freeze:
- Shut off the water immediately.
- Thaw pipes with warm air, with a hair dryer or space heater. Do not leave space heaters unattended and do not use kerosene heaters or open flames.
- Be careful turning water back on. Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check pipes and joints for any cracks.
