KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – COLD WEATHER CHECKLIST FOR PIPES
KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – COLD WEATHER CHECKLIST FOR PIPES
1. Disconnect outside water hoses. Water in hoses will freeze and expand causing faucets to freeze and break.
2. Inspect outside faucets. Repair if leaking before a hard freeze.
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3. If your home is equipped with interior shut off valves close them and drain the lines.
4. Cover outside faucets using a faucet insulation kit.
5. Insulate pipes in unheated areas. Apply heat tape or heat cables around exposed pipes.
6. Drain sediment from the hot water heater which causes corrosion.
7. Clear leaves and debris from roof gutters to ensure proper drainage throughout the winter.
8. Inspect and clean basement sump pit. Remove any rocks and debris. Dump a bucket of water in the pit to test it. If it turns on empties the pit quickly then turns itself off it is working properly.
9. Make sure the heat in an empty house is set no lower than 55 degrees to prevent pipes freezing.
These tips are from Roto-Rooter and you can find additional tips at rotorooter.com
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
