Protect Your Water Pipes

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

If temperatures are expected to drop to 28 degrees or below for 4 hours or more, you should take precautions to protect your water pipes. Not only will a frozen pipe cut off your running water supply, but because water expands when it freezes it can cause metal or plastic pipes to burst. This is one of the greatest and costliest damages from a winter storm.

Pipes that run in unheated interior areas (such as those in basements, crawlspaces, kitchen cabinets, garages and attics) or against exterior walls are particularly susceptible to freezing.

To help prevent frozen pipes, let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes because running water - even when just a trickle - is less likely to freeze. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate near plumbing. Add pipe insulation to any pipes that are particularly prone to freezing. Do your best to keep temperatures inside your home or business no lower than 55 degrees.