Winter is one of the most dangerous seasons for your home's plumbing. When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside pipes can expand and cause them to burst — leading to costly repairs and water damage.
The good news is that a few simple precautions can protect your pipes all season long.
Insulate exposed pipes. Any pipes in unheated areas like garages, basements, or crawl spaces are at risk. Wrap them in foam pipe insulation or heat tape available at any hardware store.
Keep the heat on. Even when you're away, keep your thermostat set no lower than 13°C (55°F). The cost of a slightly higher heating bill is far less than the cost of water damage.
Let taps drip. A slow trickle of water keeps it moving through the pipes, reducing the chance of freezing.
Know where your stopcock is. If a pipe does burst, shutting off the water supply immediately limits the damage. Make sure every member of the household knows where to find it.
Taking these steps now could save you thousands in repairs later.
