Can we talk about the snow in the Lower Mainland?! As a homeowner, its important to check and make sure that exposed pipes don’t freeze or burst. This can cause serious flooding and/or water damage and that would be bad!
Here are some basic steps you can take to reduce potential risks:
- Identify problem areas. Pipes most at risk for freezing are those that are exposed or uninsulated or located in either exterior walls or the outside of your home.
- Make sure your garden hose is disconnected from your outside faucet. A frozen garden hose can cause an interior pipe to burst because it expands and puts increased pressure on your plumbing system.
- Add insulation to exposed pipes in unheated areas such as attics or garages.
- Consider rerouting pipes that have proven to be troublesome in the past.
- If you’re planning to be away from your home for any length of time, make sure your furnace does not dip below 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit). You should also turn off your main water supply and drain the system to avoid possible leaks. (This can be done by turning on all faucets and flushing all toilets.)