Winter brings frigid temperatures for much of the country, and when temperatures plummet, the water that supplies your home’s faucets and fixtures is in danger of freezing inside your pipes. Because water expands as it turns to ice, frozen pipes are prone to bursting, which can result in costly water and plumbing damage throughout your home. At the highest risk of freezing are pipes that run against exterior walls and those in unheated or uninsulated places, such as the attic, basement or garage.
Before the temperatures outside dip below freezing, it’s important to understand how to prevent frozen pipes and take the necessary steps to winterize your home. Read on to learn a few simple tricks to protect your pipes from freezing and keep the water running in cold weather. We’ll also walk you through what to do if you think your pipes might be frozen and how to thaw them to ward off a bigger home disaster.
1. Disconnect Garden Hoses
After you finish tending to your garden for the season, 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. Consider using 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.
