Frozen pipes in winter can be every homeowner’s nightmare. While we can’t control nature, there are easy steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage during a Midwest deep freeze.
Before Winter
- Check water pipes located in unheated or poorly insulated areas around your home, including the basement, attic, crawl space, garage, and within cabinets containing plumbing. Both hot and cold water pipes should be insulated.
- Pipe sleeves, UL-listed heat tape, or heat cable can help insulate or heat exposed water pipes.
During Winter
- Close inside valves supplying water to outdoor faucets and hookups.
- Open outdoor faucets to allow residual water to drain; keep them open during cold months, while the water is turned off.
- Keep garage doors closed to help protect water pipes located in the garage.
- Open cabinets where plumbing is located to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
- Let water drip from faucets for pipes that are at risk of freezing (both hot and cold water pipes).
- Keep the heat in your home set at a minimum of 55 degrees.
Do you know what your insurance covers in the event of a burst pipe? Contact us today to learn more at (630) 441-1003.
Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash
