With temperatures forecasted to drop into the single digits early next week, take some precautions to prevent frozen pipes. Water expands when it freezes, so pipes holding water around our homes are in danger of bursting over the next several days. Here are some steps to take that can prevent plumbing problems associated with winter weather:
- Leave a small trickle of both hot and cold water coming out of faucets attached to pipes that are located in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls. Even a small trickle can help prevent pipes from freezing.
- Open sink cabinet doors to allow heat from the home’s heating system to circulate around the pipes.
- If away from home, keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees.
- Keep sprinkler system controller in the OFF position.
- Remove outdoor garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets with insulated faucet covers, which can be purchased at most home and garden stores.
For more information about preventing (and if necessary, thawing) frozen pipes, visit the American Red Cross website here.
