This weekend will be the coldest it has been in quite some time. We’re looking at a five day cold snap. You probably know this, but here are some tips/reminders to keep you pipes from freezing… or worse… bursting.
- Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature during the cold period no matter what time of day. Keep it above 55.
- Insulate the pipes in unheated areas. That pipe shaped foam stuff works pretty well.
- Let your faucet drip. It really is a thing! Let the faucet drip that is the furthest from the main valve.
- If you have them, know where your emergency shut off valves are.
- Leave the doors under the sink open. This allows for air flow.
- Outside pipes? You should cover them with pipe insulation or wrap them with blankets (if it is not too late) . Cut the water to your exterior faucets. Use styrofoam faucet covers.
If your pipes do freeze – don’t try to heat them with an open flame. Bad, bad, bad. You can use a hair dryer and a ton of patience. You can also use a portable electric space heater, but those can be dangerous too. Make sure you follow directions and keep anything flammable away from the heater. Those can burn YOU too.
Photo: Reuters
