The RED Team Tips & Tricks #5- How to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

As the weather continues to cool down, it’s important to take the following measures to keep your pipes from freezing.

What happens when your pipes freeze? Well, when water freezes, it expands, which can cause your pipes to burst.  This can result in flooding which can ruin your drywall, flood your basement, and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Below are 5 steps to reduce the risk of freezing pipes:

1. Drain Your Pipes

In order to do this, you will want to address each water line leading to your sprinkler, pool, and water hoses. Shut off all water valves and open the spigots to ensure all remaining water has made its way out.

2. Insulate Any Exposed Piping

Some of your piping is located in insulated areas, but it’s those pipes in the crawl space, attic, and basement that you’ll want to cover with proper insulation. An insulation sleeve or wrapping should do the trick!

3. Open Cabinet Doors

Yes, pipes below your kitchen and bathroom sinks are indoors, but even these pipes have the potential of freezing and bursting. Simply leave your cabinet doors open which will allow warmer air to flow through this space.

4. Let Your Facets Drip

This doesn’t encourage water conversation, but it could save you in the long run! By letting your facets drip, it helps to relieve pressure from building up due to ice inside.

5. Completely Shut Off Your Water

As you travel out of town this time of year, it may be beneficial to  turn off your home’s water completely. Water that sits in pipes for a period of time is likely to freeze, meaning you could return home to a mess from your pipes bursting.

Thank you for taking the time to read our tips & tricks to keep you and your home safe! We hope you’re having a wonderful New Year so far!