As cold weather begins - be prepared

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

As winter approaches earlier than we would like this year it is important to be prepared in the event of an ice storm or polar vortex.  Louisville, Kentucky is used to these sorts of events because they seem to be happening each and every winter.  Frozen pipes can cause severe damage to your home or business.  These frozen pipes can be prevented if you follow a few steps during those cold temperatures.  

Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)

Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.

If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.

These tips were provided by this link from Consumer Reports.