Preventing Frozen Pipes
- Drain water from sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in water lines.
- Remove, drain, and store outdoor hoses. Close indoor valves to outdoor hose bibs. Open outside hose bibs to allow water to drain.
- Check around the home for areas where water supply lines are in unheated areas; basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
- Consider installing products made to insulate exposed water pipes such as a pipe sleeve or UL-listed heat tape, heat cable, or similar materials.
During Cold Weather
- Keep garage doors closed if water supply lines are in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing.
- When the weather is very cold, let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- If you will be away from home during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set no lower than 55° F.
Future Protection
- Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
- Pipes can be relocated by a professional.
- Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.