Protect Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter

As the outside temperature continues to drop, it is important to make sure that your home is protected from the cold weather. One of the most vulnerable parts of your house is the water pipe throughout your home. Any water pipes that are exposed to the outside temperatures are vulnerable to freezing. As the water freezes, it expands, which can fracture the pipe. Keep these tips in mind to help avoid water damage caused by freezing pipes this winter.

• Work from the outside, in. Start outside of your home and look for any exterior water lines, such as Jacuzzis and sprinkler systems. Drain all lines to ensure that they will not freeze. Also, drain all of your garden hoses and store them in a cool, dry place so that they are not damaged by the cold. Cover any outside faucets with insulating material.
• Check unheated areas of your home. Check all the water lines in the basement, garage, attic, and crawl space of your home. Cover any water pipes in these areas with pipe sleeves, insulated tape, or another product that is specifically designed to protect pipes from freezing. Wrapping newspaper around pipes can help to insulate them if you do not have any other materials available.
• Listen to the weather report. If the forecast calls for prolonged freezing temperatures, take extra precautions to prevent frozen pipes. Let the faucets throughout your home drip to help warm air circulate around the water lines.

Even if you have taken all the proper precautions, your pipes can still freeze in extreme cold. If your pipes do freeze, slowly heat them up with a hair dryer, space heater, or any similar device. Never use a blowtorch to try and heat up the pipe.Having the right homeowners insurance policy is the best way to ensure that your home is protected from any peril this winter.  Contact  Humble & Davenport Insurance in Renton, Washington for all of your home insurance needs.