Protecting your home from freezing temperatures
Protecting Your Home From Freezing Temperatures
Winter weather can be rough on a house. A little preparation can help protect your plumbing, roof and home from problems caused by freezing temperatures.
Freezing temperatures can create serious problems for homeowners, especially when water pipes freeze and burst. Taking a few simple precautions before temperatures drop can help reduce the risk of costly damage.
11 Smart Ways to Protect Your Home
Protect Water Lines
To keep outdoor plumbing fixtures from freezing, disconnect and store any garden hoses. Then shut off the water to your outdoor faucets, drain the lines and insulate the hose bibs.
Check for Holes and Cracks
Even small holes where cable wires or phone lines enter your home can allow freezing air inside. Seal these openings with foam insulation, and use weather stripping around doors to reduce drafts.
Add Insulation
Prevent pipes from freezing by making sure your home has adequate insulation. Pay attention to exterior walls, crawl spaces or basements, attics and, when appropriate, the pipes themselves.
Keep Water Flowing
If an indoor faucet is located on an exterior wall that is not adequately insulated, let the faucet drip slowly whenever temperatures fall below freezing. Opening both hot and cold lines slightly can help, and leaving cabinet doors open can allow warm household air to reach the pipes.
Ensure Easy Access to Your Water Shutoff
Make sure nothing is blocking access to your main water shutoff valve. Check that the valve works properly and can completely stop the water supply to your home.
Just as importantly, make sure everyone in your household knows where the shutoff valve is located and how to use it during a plumbing emergency.
Locate Your Water Meter
Keep a meter key or crescent wrench available so you can shut off the water at the meter if your home's shutoff valve fails. Practice using it so you know what to do during an emergency.
Close Garage Doors
If your garage is attached to your home, minimize the amount of time the garage door stays open. This helps keep cold air out and can protect your water heater and plumbing located in the garage.
Clean Gutters
Full gutters can increase the chance of ice forming on your roof. Clean your gutters before freezing temperatures arrive to help keep water moving properly.
Prevent Ice Dams
Proper attic ventilation is important for preventing ice dams. Inspect your attic and make sure insulation is not blocking soffits or attic vents.
Keep Your Thermostat Functional
Make sure your thermostat can continue operating during a cold-weather event. Keeping spare batteries on hand can be a simple step that makes a big difference.
Prepare Before Going on Vacation
If you're leaving your home during freezing weather, consider shutting off the water and draining your plumbing system when appropriate. This can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes or plumbing failures while you're away.
Protect your home before the freeze arrives.
Frozen pipes, water damage and other winter-related problems can become expensive quickly. Taking preventative steps before temperatures drop can help protect your home and the things inside it.
Questions homeowners often ask
How cold does it have to be for pipes to freeze?
Should I let my faucets drip during freezing weather?
What should I do with outdoor faucets before a freeze?
Where should I look for pipes that are most likely to freeze?
What should I do if a pipe freezes?
Does homeowners insurance cover frozen pipe damage?
Should I turn off my home's water when I leave for vacation?
Home insurance coverage varies by policy, deductible, exclusions and circumstances. Preventative maintenance is important, but it is also important to understand what your policy actually covers before a loss occurs.
Protect what you've worked hard to build.
Preparing your home for severe weather is important. So is making sure your insurance coverage fits your home, belongings and situation.