Will my pipes freeze?
It’s happening again- Louisiana is set to experience a whole year’s worth of seasons in less than ten days, and temps are going from the low teens to the upper 70’s between now and New Year’s Day. Normally this isn’t much of an issue for us, yet for some, it poses a special risk to people, property, and pets. So how should you prepare?
Whether you are a homeowner, renter, or landlord, there are several tips you can take to prepare for the freezing temps. Even if you have a new, energy-efficient home, you’ll want to take a minute and make sure you’re prepared with these pointers.
First of all, remember that if it’s too cold (or hot!) for you to be outside for long periods of time, the same rule applies to your pets and other outside animals that depend on your care.
On to the pointers for your palace!
Indoors:
Moderation is key! The temperature inside your home helps moderated the temp of the pipes inside your walls, especially if you live in an older home or have poor insulation. Keeping the inside temperature at a minimum of 65 degrees F can help prevent pipes from freezing, and bursting.
Knowing the location of your main water shutoff valve is especially critical- know where it is and how to operate it! It’s also good to make sure that the valve still functions, as some will seize up over the years. If you have a pipe burst, you should immediately shut off the water to minimize the damage to your property and belongings.
Drip the faucets- speaking of the water shut-off valve, find a couple of faucets furthest from that and drip both the hot and cold side as long as temps are below freezing, which could also be after sunrise. We know that sounds simple enough, yet it happens every year that a tenant calls us with a burst pipe because they shut the water off when they left for work. The water moving through the pipes will help prevent a freeze.
Outdoors:
Keep your pool pump running so the water circulates- this will help prevent pipes from bursting due to freezing water inside.
Check for and remove any dead tree branches- the wind and ice stress them further, which can cause them to fall and damage your property, or cause injury to people on the ground.
If you do have a pipe burst, be sure to shut the water off to the property ASAP. This will help minimize damage due to water and mold. Also, take plenty of pictures, contact your insurance company, and familiarize yourself with the claims process.
