Abigail Richards

How To Protect Your House During A Freeze



Posted: Wednesday, January 06, 2010

by Abigail Richards

It is all anyone can talk about. Old Man Winter is on his way with a fierce punch this season. The news has continually shown that this season could mean a cold winter season for those in the south normally not accustomed to the freeze.

There are two main worries when it comes to freezing temperatures. One is keeping your own pipes from freezing in your house so that you can have hot water. Here are some tips I have received to protect my house.

Wrap all exterior pipes. I remember as a little girl watching out my back window as my dad went around the house wrapping pipes. A steady vision of breath flowing into the air with his big boots and gloves on. Go to your local hardware store and they will show you what to use to wrap the pipes. My dad used a styrofoam substance, but I do remember one year he used a blanket and rope when the store was sold out.

Don't forget sprinklers -There should be a valve or switch to turn off the water supply. Even if you turn off the sprinkler system, be sure to do something about the large valve that serves as a backflow preventer. It can freeze and crack and are very expensive to replace.

Turn on your faucets - Make sure you have your tubs, sinks, etc. dripping in the house. One thing I always forget it to have both the hot and cold faucets dripping. Just a drip, not a stream.

Open your cabinets - Keep the cabinets under the kitchen and bathroom sinks open. Be careful if you have small children that you do not do this until after they are in bed. You do not want any accidents if you keep cleaners and chemicals under these sinks. This allows the room heat to get to the wall where the pipes are located.

Dishwasher - if you have one of the new dishwashers that allows you to time your washing. Set it for the middle of night or early morning hours to warm up the pipes.

The other thing that is necessary to protect is not as serious for individuals but as the Florida farmers are finding out, very serious when it comes to those who produce crops. That is keeping your plants from freezing.

Place stakes in the ground around the plant you want protected. Then drape burlap old moving blankets, sheets, etc over the stakes to protect the plant.

Also don't forget the homeless this time of year. Pack up those warm blankets, coats, etc and make a trip to the local shelter or where the homeless accumulate. You might include a warm meal as well.

This Article has been viewed 2,127 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Mogama
 2 years 128 days ago.
117 fans. Follow Mogama on twitter!
I'm going to open those cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom right now. Thanks, Abigail, for this article. ~mogama~
» left by Abigail Richards 2 years 119 days ago.
Thanks Mogama for reading and commenting!!
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