Pipes lead in and out of your home, so proper preventative steps should be performed in both areas. Here are a few tasks to perform that can help protect your pipes during cold weather:

  • All outdoor hoses should be disconnected; stagnant water lying around in a hose can potentially freeze back into the pipe itself. Freezing pipes are at risk of bursting, which not only damages your pipes but can cause water damage or mold in areas of flooding.
  • Pipes can be insulated to prevent bursting. This is especially beneficial to those that are located in cooler areas like a basement, garage, or crawlspace.
  • Stop outside air flow by checking attics and crawlspaces for drafts, which can aid in pipes freezing in severe cold temperatures; heat tape can be applied to questionable areas.
  • Know where your shut off valve is located. If you have a problem you can shut off valves to the most common areas or appliances in your home. These individual valves are installed along pipes leading to each system and typically have a small handle.

If you have a problem, it will most likely show up once the weather warms up and the frozen pipes begin to thaw. So make sure you check them once the cold weather is gone. If you see any signs of leaking pipes, call your experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Mount Airy