Prevent bursting pipes this winter with these 5 tips

When the weather gets below freezing, outside water can freeze and burst exterior pipes. This can cause water damage in the home and is a costly repair! Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your pipes warm and undamaged through the winter months.

1. Keep the temperature of outside buildings at 65 degrees.

If you have a pool house or smaller guest home on your property, or if your home has multiple heating zones in areas like the basement or attic, you’ll want to keep the temperature in these areas set at a minimum of 65 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing in the winter months. If you have a vacation home that you won’t be using this winter, consider turning off the main water supply to the building and draining the pipes while you’re away.

2. Insulate outside walls that contain pipes.

Walls that face the exterior of your home will get much colder than interior walls when the temperature outside drops. If your exterior walls contain plumbing elements, consider adding an extra layer of insulation to further protect your pipes. If you find moisture buildup or mold on any interior wall surfaces, or if you notice surface cracking and nails popping out, you may want to reinsulate those walls or use spray foam for an added layer of protection.

 

continue reading »