Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
The days are beginning to cool down in Boston now that fall has arrived. When the cooler temperatures arrive, unfortunately, so do frozen pipes. When the frozen water in the pipe expands, it can tear the pipe, leading to floods and water damage when ice melts. We all know how the temperatures can plummet quickly in Wellesley, so be sure to act now. Sparing a few minutes to protect your pipes from freezing can help to reduce the likelihood of them freezing and ward off water damage. Along with these frozen pipe prevention tips and quality homeowners insurance in Wellesley, MA, you can feel rest assured your home can remain safe throughout the fall and winter.
Let a Faucet Drip
Turn on a couple of faucets just enough so that they drip. Ideally, choose a faucet that has a pipe running along an outside wall and a faucet that is far away from your main water valve. This helps to alleviate pressure and keeps the pipes working, preventing the water from freezing.
Leave Cupboard Doors Open
If you have faucets with pipes running through cupboards and cabinets (think of the kitchen sink), leave the doors open so that the warm air can circulate around the pipes. The doors to the rooms should, ideally, stay open too so that the heat can flow through the house and prevent pipes from getting too cold.
Seal Up Cracks and Gaps
Examine your windows and doors. Are there any cracks around the seals? Can you feel any drafts even they are closed? Seal up cracks with caulk and weather-proofing, taking extra care to do this to gaps near exposed pipes. Not only does this help to keep pipes warm, but it can save money on your heating bill!
Insulate Exterior Pipes
For pipes outside or in exposed places such as attics and basements, consider insulating them. Insulation can be wrapped around the pipe, protecting them from the dropping temperatures. When the weather gets very cold, it is wise to apply heating tape to these pipes to keep them warm.
Leave Your Thermostat On
You may be tempted to turn down your thermostat overnight or when you head out of town for the weekend. However, doing so can mean your pipes are more susceptible to freezing. Keep your thermostat on low, even when you aren’t in the house to avoid pipes freezing and bursting. There is one caveat to this – if you’re going away for a significant period of time, it is wise to shut off the water supply, particularly when cold weather is coming.
If the worst does happen, and despite your best efforts, a pipe freezes and then bursts, be sure that you can fall back on reliable homeowners insurance. Your local agents in Wellesley are ready to find the right coverage to suit your needs, home, and budget. We serve homeowners in Dover, Needham, Brookline and surrounding cities in Massachusetts. Contact us to get started!