With winter rapidly approaching it is important to remember pipes can freeze. The pipes that are most at risk for freezing are outdoors hose bibs, swimming pool lines, and water lines for irrigation systems. Supply lines that are located in unheated spaces are also at risk of freezing. These lines include water lines located it your basement, crawlspace, garage, and attic. Pipes alongside exterior walls or pipes that have little or no insulation surrounding them risk the possibility as well. Pipes usually freeze when temperatures fall below 20 degrees for a few hours or more. There are a few things you can do to help prevent frozen pipes.
- When the temperature is below 20 degrees leave your faucets dripping slowly.
- Insulate any outside piping.
- Disconnect outside hoses, drain and store them inside.
- Drain water from pools and irrigation systems.
- Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawlspaces to help maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- Keep garage doors closed if there are supply lines present.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate.
- Keep heat set at the same temperature during the day and night.
- If you leave for long periods of time, leave you heat on no lower than 55 degrees.