Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these
water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:
- Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines
following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze
in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and
is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves
supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to
drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe
can expand without cause the pipe to break.
- Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are
located and are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space,
attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold
water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line
can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not
running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
- Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes
like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or
similar materials on exposed water pipes. Many products are available at
your local building supplies retailer. Pipes should be carefully wrapped,
with ends butted tightly and joints wrapped with tape. Follow
manufacturer's recommendations for installing and using these products.
Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed
pipes - even ¼" of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas
that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below
freezing.
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