Preparing for the Winter

Posted on: December 10, 2012
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Plumbing

Freezing pipes are the last thing you want to be concerned about this holiday season. Even if you live in a state that never sees the snow, you could still be at risk. Whenever the temperature hits 32 degrees, you are at risk. Both copper and plastic pipes will freeze if in the right conditions. With a crack as small as an 1/8^th of an inch, you could be losing 250 gallons of water a day! Here are some from Abacus Plumbing tips to prevent an unwelcomed problem.

1. All garden hoses should be disconnected and covers should be installed on all outside faucets.
   
2. Let a faucet drip slightly (lukewarm water) in order to minimize freezing. The first sign of freezing is reduced water flow from a faucet.
3. During freezing weather, leave cabinet doors open under your kitchen or bathroom sinks to allow warmer room air to circulate around pipes.
4. Make sure you know where the master shut-off valve is located. Keep an emergency number on hand for quick response in case a pipe does burst.

Use the links below to find more helpful information to prepare for cooler temperatures:

• From Allstate: How to prepare for a frozen pipe disaster
  http://www.allstate.com/catastrophe/pipes-freeze.aspx
• Angies List: Avoid frozen pipes this winter with preparation
  http://www.angieslist.com/articles/avoid-frozen-pipes-winter-preparation.html