Winter is coming! What does that mean for your home and keeping it protected from the cold? It’s time to run around the house and winterize certain key components of the house. From your HVAC outside to the pipe under your sink (depending on how cold your area gets). In this blog I’m just going to go over your pipes and what steps you can take to protect them inside and outside.

Let’s start with the outside pipes such as outside sinks and faucets. Make sure you have taken the hoses off and turned off the water. Check for any leaks or cracks, if there are any get the repaired. You can wrap the faucet pipes with insulation under the sink, and put a insulated cap over the hose faucet. Those will tend to stay well put they often times uses a suction against the house. Heat tape can also be applied to exposed pipes to protect against freezing.

Pipe insulation can be used inside the home as well for protection. For some areas a heat light can be installed to shine and warm pipes in areas such as crawl spaces. If you notice ice forming on pipes, a hair dryer can be utilized for melting the ice. After it has been dried inspect for any cracks or leaks.

Water expands as it freezes and the pressure from any running water trying to push through it will cause the pipe to burst. Do not allow the furnace temperature to drop below 55 degrees F or 12.78 degrees C. The water heater should be set at 120 degrees F or 48.89 degrees C. If you turn on the shower or sink and only have a trickle of water coming out, assume there is a block due to a frozen pipe and shut off the faucet. Check all other faucets in the home, since one frozen pipe typically means there are more. If you cannot track down the frozen pipe or reach it, call a licensed professional. Bursting or leaking pipes can lead to standing water and further damage to your home.