Batesville, In. – Cold weather with single-digit low temperatures are in the forecast across much of the state for the Christmas week. Taking steps to prevent freezing pipes can help residents avoid costly repairs.
Frozen pipes are preventable by evaluating areas of vulnerability throughout the home and taking certain precautions. Implementing the following winterization tips now can help avoid headaches later:
- Search your house for uninsulated pipes, especially in unheated areas. Consider wrapping pipes with electric heating tape, but follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid a fire hazard.
- Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations with caulking, especially where cable TV or phone lines enter the house, to keep cold winds away from pipes.
- If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly. Close them when water appears.
- Make certain the water to your hose bibs is shut off inside your house (via a turnoff valve), and the lines are drained.
- Drain and shut off entirely the water to any unoccupied residence such as a summer or vacation home. A loss of power during a winter storm could cause pipes to freeze. If you intend to leave a property entirely without heat, be sure to drain all water to prevent the possibility of frozen pipes.
- Set the thermostat at 55 degrees if you’re going out of town. Although you may be able to get away with a lower temperature, this setting is considered to be safe for pipes.
- Consider wrapping your water heater in an insulation blanket. While not really at danger for freezing, this can lower your heating bills.
