The new year means new beginnings. A great place to start is your home. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to winterize your home by protecting against frozen pipes.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, a burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage. Additionally, the Insurance Information Institute reports that each year, one in 50 insured homes report a property damage claim related to water damage and freezing. To help you keep the water flowing, here are eight safety and security tips to winterize your home and protect your pipes:
- Disconnect any hoses from the outside of your home and drain them.
- Cover your outside faucets with an insulating foam cover. Or wrap them in newspaper and duct tape, then cover them with a plastic bag
- Drain water from pipes that are likely to freeze. This includes your swimming pool and sprinkler water supply lines.
- Make sure to close the indoor valves supplying outdoor water access points.
- Keep the garage doors closed to protect water lines.
- Open kitchen cabinets. This allows the warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Allow your faucets to drip cold water on the coldest days. The movement will make it harder for the water to freeze.
- Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Never let it fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave your home.
