As the temperature drops for more prolonged periods of time, the greater the chance that pipes could freeze and burst – causing costly damage to homes.

TIPS TO PREVENT PIPES FROM FREEZING

• Make sure the pipes in your homes are properly insulated and not exposed to freezing air.
• Maintain proper heat in your homes.
• Insulate pipes, particularly those outside or on the perimeter of the residence.
• Run a trickle of cold water on each floor of the home at the points furthest from the location of the main water service into the home.
• Make sure that there is warm air circulating in any area where there are water pipes. This includes garages and unheated areas of the home.
• Remove all garden hoses from hose bibs and cover the bibs with Styrofoam hose bib insulating caps.
• Make sure there are no broken windows.
• If pipes freeze, do not thaw them using candles or any open flame. Instead, please use a hair dryer or heating pad.