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.