Did you know that one of the most common causes of property damage is burst pipes when temperatures dip below freezing? According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, frozen pipes can easily cost a homeowner $5,000 or more and let’s face it, most of us have better things to spend $5,000 on. So, to make sure you don’t wind up with a hole in your pipes and a house full of water or ice, follow the preventative measures below:
- Don’t Turn Off The Heat: sure, you can lower your thermostat a few degrees here and there to save some money while you’re not home, but DO NOT turn the heat completely off. We recommend keeping the thermostat set to a minimum temperature of 60°F throughout the entire winter.
- Keep Garage Doors Closed: there are water supply lines running through lots of garages and we all know how cold the garage can get. If you have pipes running through the garage, make sure they are insulated and always remember to close the garage door when you enter or exit the house.
- Insulate, Insulate, Insulate: in case we weren’t clear, insulation is key! Make sure all exposed pipes are insulated, especially those running along exterior walls. It’s also a good idea to add extra insulation in the basement and the attic where temperatures might differ from the rest of the house.
- Don’t Close Interior Doors: not only will this help maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the entire house, it can help make sure interior pipes are receiving heat, too. It’s especially important to leave cabinet doors open if there are pipes located inside (think underneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks).
For any of your plumbing problems or preventative maintenance needs, call Levine & Sons today. We’ll roll out our Red Carpet service for you. Remember, when you call Levine & Sons, we get the job done right the first time.