A little prep in the fall can save you from a burst pipe in January.
Shut off and drain outdoor faucets
Before the first hard frost, close the interior shut-off valve for each exterior hose bib, then open the outdoor faucet to drain it. Disconnect garden hoses.
Insulate vulnerable pipes
Pipes in exterior walls, garages, crawlspaces and unheated rooms are the most at risk. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install on accessible lines.
Keep the heat on
If you travel, keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature. During extreme cold, opening cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls lets warm air reach the pipes.
Know your shut-off
Make sure everyone in the home knows where the main water shut-off is and how to use it. Test it in the fall to make sure it turns.
Watch for warning signs
Reduced flow from a tap on a very cold day can mean a pipe is starting to freeze. Warm the area gently, never with an open flame, and call a plumber if you're unsure.
- Frost on exposed pipes
- Unusual sounds when taps are opened
- No water from one fixture