Out of all of the phrases that you don’t want to hear as a homeowner, “your pipes have burst” is among the top ten. Potential flooding in your home is always unfortunate, but there’s something that feels even worse when it happens during the coldest time of the year.

Each winter, thousands of homeowners experience water damage due to freezing temperatures, with potential repairs running into the thousands. The good news is that this disaster can be prevented when you prep your pipes for the winter!

Protecting Your Pipes From the Winter

Are you interested in protecting your pipes from the low temperatures, and saving your home from costly repairs? Begin by identifying your most “at-risk” pipes, these will be the pipes that are closest to the exterior of your home, such as outdoor lines and hoses. Areas of your home that are unheated, such as the basement and attic are also prone to freezing, and don’t forget about the pipes underneath your sinks can also cause potential problems.

Protect your pipes from bursting in the winter elements with the following top 3 tips:

 

1. Wrap Your Pipes: Install insulation made out of materials such as foam or fiberglass on exposed indoor pipes. Many of these pipes can be found in the basement, but it’s also worth checking your attic, crawl space, and garage as well.
2. Control Temperatures: It’s true that we can’t control the temperature outside, but it is important to keep the temperature inside of your home steady throughout the day and night. Allow warmer air to circulate around exposed pipes by keeping your sink cabinet doors open when possible, and keep water running at a slow drip overnight. Running water through the pipes can help to prevent them from freezing.

3. Drain & Close Off: When properly prepping your outdoor pipes for the winter, it’s best to remove and store any outdoor hoses, and drain all spigots before turning them off for the season.

Even with the best preparation, your pipes may freeze during the winter. How can you tell? No water running through the spigot when you turn it on maybe the first indication. If your pipes do freeze, turn the faucet on and turn the main water switch off. Once the water is off, call your plumber immediately for assistance to avoid future bursting or flooding.

 

Have questions on what to do if a flood occurs in your home? Contact the experts at Staples & Associates Insurance and Financial to walk you through what exactly your insurance policy covers.