This season’s first serious winter storm is underway, with super-strong winds, record-low temps, and snowfall in strange places (Hello, Tallahassee!). Because of storms like this, it’s helpful to take steps to protect your property from freezing pipes.The headlines of the impending “bomb cyclone” do little to calm fears of losing power as the storm blankets the East Coast. But property owners can inform tenants of these simple strategies to avoid frozen pipes:
- Keep it heated! Check the thermostat. If you or your tenant is leaving during the colder months, keep the thermostat above 50 degrees. And make sure those batteries are new!
- Let those faucets drip. Allowing the faucet to drip can alleviate the pressure that can cause a pipe to burst.
- Open the cabinets, closets, and interior doors. Pipes are often located in cabinets. With the cabinet doors open, heat from the rest of the house can better reach the pipes. Leaving interior doors open lets the heat flow better throughout the home, too!
Ready for a little winterizing and home improvements? Homeowners can tackle these preventative measures:
- Seal up cracks and holes. Target any interior or exterior holes located near pipes and seal them up to keep the cold air out.
- Got new insulation? Pipes located in basements or attics may not have adequate insulation. Pipes can be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chance of freezing pipes. Update it, and sleep better at night.
- Apply heating tape. As a last ditch effort, you can apply electrical heating tape to keep pipes from freezing. These products can be dangerous, so make sure to follow the products’ directions and safety procedures.
Most of all, we hope you stay warm and safe through all 2018’s winter weather!
