How to Prepare your Home for Cold Weather
As we prepare for the upcoming cold season, meteorologists are predicting we could experience another frigid winter. Unfortunately, this puts every home at risk for frozen pipes. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water pipes can freeze. Frozen pipes can burst and flood the home when they thaw. When a pipe bursts from the freeze, you will either hear or see the water leaking out. If you suspect a frozen water pipe, please turn of the water at the main shut-off valve to stop flooding and water loss should a pipe burst. Please note that frozen or burst pipes are only warrantied during the first year of coverage if the temperature at the time of damage is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or above and not due to a lack of homeowner maintenance or heat.
Here are some tips you may want to consider to protect your home:
1. Suggestions to prevent frozen pipes:
a. Remove garden hose and any attachments from the spigot before cold weather to prevent the hose bib from freezing
b. Keep your home heated at a comfortable temperature – at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit
c. Do not leave the garage door open for extended periods of time
2. During extremely low temperatures:
a. Keep all of the faucets, both hot and cold, dripping at a slow pace
b. Leave closet and cabinet doors open so that the pipes can be exposed to warm air
c. Keep garage doors closed
3. When leaving the home for an extended period of time during cold weather, it is best to:
a. Shut off the water supply at the water meter
b. Drain all of the pipes by opening all the faucets and flushing the toilets, or hire a plumber to flush the water out of the lines
c. Keep the heat on in the home – at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit
We hope these tips will be helpful in preparing your home for the Winter Season and preventing any burst pipes! Keep in mind, if the temperature drops to below zero for an extended period, it is possible that pipes may still freeze if the above precautions are taken.
To get started on your journey of being an Allen Edwin homeowner, you can reach out to us by calling (800) 906-1033, emailing osa@allenedwin.com , or scheduling a phone conversation by clicking here .
