02/12/2021
It's getting COLD!! When water freezes it expands. If it's inside your plumbing pipes, well, that can be a mess! So, it's a good idea to leave faucets dripping in freezing cold weather. Water damage from frozen and busted pipes can cause a huge amount of damage to your home. Take some time and get some of the right supplies at your local hardware store. They can help you, too!
Outdoor faucets and exposed pipes should be wrapped and/or drained.
You can cover outdoor faucets and hose bibs with foam insulators - these are very inexpensive.
Protect water pipes that run through your attic, basement and garage with insulation and pipe foam wraps and tape. This will last a few winters after you do it.
If you own another home that's not being lived in you'll need to turn the water off at the main and drain the pipes. Draining the pipes after you turn the water off is very important. Water left in the pipes will still freeze, expand and can bust the pipe.
Clean out your gutters! Sounds simple, right? Well cleaning out your gutters allows water to drain properly and not build up ice. Ice is heavy and will pull your gutters down from your fascia. And, likely your fascia along with it. Ice Damming - Yep, this is a real thing! Sometimes a frozen gutter will cause water to back up onto your roof and water will seep through your shingles and into your living room. Watching the football game is just not the same with water dripping down onto the TV set.
Take care of your pets. They deserve some time and attention. Weather is coldest when the sun goes down and it's too late to think about this then. Bring them in if you can. If not, see to it they have shelter from the wind and blankets. A heat source is great, but Be Careful here. Blankets and heaters don't mix! A full tummy helps also!
Your plants are vulnerable too. If you are able, bring them in the garage or an enclosed porch.