F
Protect pipes from
freezing this winter
reezing pipes are a
concern for homeowners who live in cold
climates. When temperatures dip below freezing,
the risk that pipes will freeze
rises. Should a pipe burst,
the damage that results can
be extensive and costly.
Any pipe can freeze,
but those that are directly
exposed to the cold are
the most vulnerable. These
include pipes that feed
outdoor hoses, swimming
pool supply lines, pipes in
unheated indoor rooms
(i.e., basements or garages), and any pipes that
run close to the outdoors
through uninsulated walls.
Water expands as it freezes,
and that expansion can
place pressure on whatever is trying to contain it
including pipes.
To avoid serious damage, homeowners need
to prepare for the arrival
of colder weather and be
smart about how they protect pipes.
∞ Drain water from
swimming pools and water
sprinkler supply lines
prior to the onset of cold
weather. Drain water before
freezing temperatures
arrive, and donÕt forget to
drain outdoor garden hoses
and store them inside after
watering season has come
and gone.
∞ Close indoor water
valves that feed outdoor
spigots/bibs. Open the
spigot outside to allow water to drain out. Keep the
outside valve open so that
any water that has accumulated will continue to drain
and expand outward without damaging the pipe. An
insulated bib dome also can
help prevent frozen pipes.
∞ Open cabinet doors to
allow heat to reach pipes
inside of cabinets. Keep the
doors open to spaces that may
not be heated or insulated
as well as other areas of the
home so that heat can find its
way inside. Consider wrapping
these pipes with an insulating
material as well, such as heat
tape or pipe sleeves.
∞ Maintain a consistent
thermostat temperature.
Ensure the temperature
inside your home does not
4 • Fall Vermont Home Garden & Car
drop below 55 F; otherwise,
problems can arise. Use a
programmable thermostat
to keep the house comfortable even when you
are not home. Individuals
who are traveling should
set the thermostat so that it
will keep the home at the
recommended temperature
to avoid frozen pipes.
∞ Open one faucet. When
it is very cold outside, particularly at night, let water
slowly drip from one faucet
to prevent freezing. Choose
the sink that is furthest
from where water enters
the house so water is flowing through all of the pipes
to reach that faucet.
∞ Increase insulation
around where pipes enter
the house. Use insulating
foam to seal any drafts
where pipes enter the
house from the outdoors.
Frozen pipes cannot
always be avoided. Therefore, it is important that
everyone in the household
knows how to shut off the
main water valve in the
event a pipe bursts. This
can prevent expensive damage to a home.
SHEDS | GARAGES | BARNS | CAMPS
Mike’s Country Store • Rt 7, Clarendon • 773-7100