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If a pipe bursts and floods your home, it can destroy your possessions and lead to costly repairs. During the winter months, it’s important to take precautions against frozen pipes. Here are some tips from the American Red Cross to help limit the changes of your pipes freezing this winter: 

 

• Shut off the pipes for faucets that won’t be used during winter. Open and leave open any faucet connected to these pipes so the water will drain. 

• Insulate your pipes from the cold and wrap them in electric heat tape or heat cables. 

• Leave faucets facing an outside wall dripping.  Flowing water takes longer to freeze than standing water.

• Open any cabinet that is below a sink. This will allow your home’s heating system to warm the pipes down there.

• If you leave home for an extended period of time, make sure the thermostat is set to at least 55 degrees and ask a neighbor to check your home daily.

 

If you think you have a frozen pipe that has yet to burst, turn on the faucets and contact us. If a pipe has already burst, shut off the main valve and cut water supply to the house. Do not attempt to thaw pipes with a torch or open flame.