Take Precautions to Avoid Frozen Pipes this Winter

When temperatures dip below freezing, homeowners should take simple precautions to keep the pipes intact and avoid pouring thousands of dollars into home repairs.

Ensure water tanks and pipes are insulated. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are more vulnerable to freezing. Let the water run. Letting both hot and cold lines of a faucet drip in the extreme cold can prevent a pipe from bursting. A running faucet relieves pressure between the faucet and the ice. No pressure means no bursting. Also, keep bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open during a cold spell to let warm air circulate around the pipes. Seal any leaks in your home, attic, basement or crawl space that might allow cold air inside where pipes are located.