Cold snaps in Union County can catch pipes off guard. Water that freezes inside a pipe expands, and that pressure can crack the pipe and cause a leak once it thaws.
The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way.
Disconnect outdoor hoses
Remove garden hoses from outside spigots and drain them. If your home has a shut-off valve for outdoor lines, close it and open the spigot so any water left inside can drain.
Insulate exposed pipes
Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls are the most likely to freeze. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to slip on.
Know where your main shut-off is
If a pipe does burst, shutting off the water quickly limits the damage. Find your main shut-off valve now, make sure it turns, and show everyone in the house where it is.
Keep the heat on
If you travel this winter, leave the heat set to at least 55°F so pipes inside the walls stay above freezing.
If you notice a pipe that keeps getting cold, a faucet with low pressure on a freezing morning, or water where it shouldn't be, give us a call and we'll take a look.
