As temperatures drop, protect your wallet and your warmth by winterizing your home. By following proper protocol this winter, you can avoid the costly headaches of burst pipes and water damage.
“Preparing for the winter can save you thousands in potential repairs,” says Erin Cooperman, marketing coordinator for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “We recommend keeping an eye on the weather shifts so you don’t suffer the dreaded frozen pipes, broken water heater or to prevent damages to your plumbing system and home.”
Take action before the first frost by following these four tips from Lead Plumbing Technician Matthew Thrift.
-
Install faucet covers on outside faucets.
Since outdoor faucets for houses and sprinkler systems are not insulated, make sure they are protected from the cold by installing a hard or soft cover. This will prevent cold air from seeping into your home's walls. If a pipe freezes, turn off the water at the meter and contact a licensed plumber, such as Benjamin Franklin Plumbing at (501) 204-8235.
-
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate more effectively and prevent exposed pipes from freezing. Pipes located along exterior walls, such as under kitchen or bathroom sinks, are at a higher risk of freezing because they’re closer to outdoor air. When these cabinet doors are closed, a pocket of cold air can potentially freeze water in the pipes.
-
Turn faucets on to a drip.
Set the faucets in your home to a drip when the temperature is between 20 and 32 degrees, and run them at a slow stream when the temperature drops below 20 degrees. This keeps water moving through the pipes so they do not freeze or burst. Be sure to drip both the hot and cold faucets near outside walls.
-
Leave the house at an appropriate temperature if out of town.
If you go out of town during a cold spell, don’t turn your heat off. Set your thermostat to between 50-60 degrees to help prevent your pipes from bursting and flooding your home. For houses with large crawl spaces, make sure to close exterior vents to keep the cold air out while you’re away.