Mar. 19, 2008 - Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter

With the cold, winter weather comes the danger and inconvenience of frozen pipes.  According to State Farm Insurance, over a quarter of a million homes experience a frozen pipe each year, and that is only the homeowners who file a claim.  There are several things that  can be done to avoid unwanted water spilling across your floor. 

• Insulate your pipes.  This applies to pipes in any exterior walls.  Any hardware or home improvement store sells foam wraps for water pipes.  If you are in the process of building a home of redoing a room, take this opportunity to move water pipes from exterior walls. 
• Turn water off to exterior faucets.  If your home has a separate valve, turn the water off to any outside faucets and drain them.  If your home does not have separate valves, consider having a plumber install them or install anti-freeze exterior faucets.
• Let your faucet drip.  This has been a simple solution for years because it generally works.  It will waste water which doesn't fit into today's trend of conservation but if the pipe freezes and bursts, much more water will be wasted and damage to your home could occur.
• Open doors.  Many kitchen and bathroom cabinets that house water pipes and are located on an exterior wall or even above a cold garage, basement, or crawl space can trap cold air.  By opening the cabinet doors it allows the warm air in the house to circulate around the water pipes.

Hopefully these tips will help you avoid damage to your home this winter from unwanted and preventable water.