Here to help ! Be safe all.
A freeze is coming. Here are some actionable tips to help you out: ♨Before Cold Weather Hits♨ ☑Insulate Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes, especially in attics, crawl spaces, and outside walls. Use pipe sleeves or wrapping materials to keep them warm. ☑Seal Leaks: Seal any gaps or cracks near pipes that allow cold air to reach them. Use caulk or insulation to close these openings. ☑Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Shut off outdoor water valves and allow water to drain from pipes leading to outdoor faucets. ☑Insulate Exposed Areas: Insulate attics, basements, and crawl spaces properly to maintain a warmer temperature around pipes. 🌨During Freezing Weather🌨 ☑Let Faucets Drip: Allow faucets to drip slightly. This can relieve pressure in the pipes, reducing the risk of them bursting. ☑Maintain Heat: Keep your home heated, even when you're away. Set the thermostat to a consistent temperature, preferably no lower than 55°F (13°C). ☑Open Cabinet Doors: For pipes under sinks, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around the pipes. ☃When Temperatures Drop Severely☃ ☑Actively Circulate Warm Air: If you notice particularly cold spots in your home where pipes are located, use fans to circulate warm air. ☑Emergency Measures: In extreme cold, consider allowing faucets to run slightly at a higher rate to keep water flowing, as moving water is less likely to freeze. ☑Temporary Heat Sources: In case of power outages or heating failure, use safe heating sources like space heaters (following safety instructions) to prevent pipes from freezing. ❄What to Do If You Suspect Frozen Pipes❄ ☑Keep Faucets Open: If you suspect a pipe is frozen but not yet burst, keep the faucet open to relieve pressure as the ice begins to melt. ☑Apply Heat: Use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or portable heater to thaw frozen pipes. Start from the faucet and work backward towards the colder sections.