Protect Your Pipes from the Winter Weather
According to our Public Works team, built-up pressure in pipes during winter months can cause a pipe to burst or fracture at its weakest link. As the water in the supply line freezes, it expands, pushing against all the water between it and your home. Allowing a faucet to drip can help mitigate any potential trouble you may experience from a pipe freezing.
Here are some other things you can do to protect your pipes:
Inside
- Open the cabinets under the sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated air to circulate around the water pipes.
- Set your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees, especially when you are gone for the day or away for a long time.
- Let indoor faucets drip, but do not run a heavy stream of water (remember, it only takes a small drip).
Outside
- Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation. In a pinch, wrapping them with rags, newspapers, trash bags, plastic foam or even bubble wrap can add needed protection.
- Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.
- Drain water hoses and store them in a garage or shed.
- Drain irrigation water supply lines.
- Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
- Make sure you know where your home’s water shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off. Here are some tips to help you.
- Consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve if you leave town. Leave your faucets on when you turn the water off to drain the pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
- If you drain your pipes, do not forget to turn off the power to your water heater if it is electric and turn of the gas supply line the water heater if it is a gas appliance.
If you have questions on weatherproofing your home, please contact Addison's Public Works and Engineering Department at 972-450-2871.
