Preventing Frozen Pipes

With temperatures dipping into the single digits on Long Island, the risk of frozen pipes increases dramatically. As a matter of fact, frozen/burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during the winter months. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, burst pipe repair can cost up to $5000.00 or more!

With that in mind, we’d like to share with you five commonsense tips on how to prevent burst pipes. If you’re a snowbird, this information is critical to protect your home from damage while you are away.

• Mind your thermostat: If you are currently in your home, we’re pretty sure that you keep your thermostat above 55 degrees, but If you’re a snowbird, make sure that your home is generating some heat to avoid frozen pipes. Installing a wifi thermostat is a great way to monitor your home’s heat.
• Insulate your pipes: Exposed pipes in crawlspaces, against outside walls and in your attic are susceptible to freezing. Make sure you protect them thoroughly with insulation, heat tape or in extreme circumstances, thermostat-controlled heat cables.
• Seal your home: thoroughly seal leaks that allow cold air into your home. Check around electrical outlets, windows, doors, dryer vents and pipes, all of which are notorious for creating drafts. Not only will this help you prevent frozen pipes, but it will also lower your energy bills.
• Let water drip: A trickle of hot and cold water might be all that is needed to prevent pipes from bursting. In very cold weather, this is recommended even if you are home.
• Open vanity doors: Open doors under sinks in your bathroom and kitchen to allow heat to circulate around the exposed pipes.

Is your furnace healthy?

Long stretches of cold weather can put great demands on your heating system. If you haven’t had a thorough checkup of your furnace, call an HVAC professional today.

A little preparation goes a long way, and these tips will help you prevent costly plumbing repairs during the winter.