Freezing temperatures are in the forecast. While you're thinking about keeping your animals and tender vegetation safe, you should also be making sure frozen pipes won't ruin your home. A frozen pipe can cause thousands of dollars of damage in a short period of time.
To keep your home safe, State Farm recommends the following:
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Disconnect garden hoses before cold weather comes. A connected hose could cause the short length of pipe that goes into the house to freeze.
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Insulate pipes in the attic and crawl spaces.
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When freezing weather hits, allow a slow drip from hot and cold faucets. This will relieve pressure on the system and allow water to circulate.
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Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to pipes.
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Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
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Consider a leak alarm or automatic water shutoff system.
If a pipe does freeze and burst, make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shutoff valve is.
Source:
Kip Diggs, State Farm
