Winterize your pipes in 30 minutes

A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a few hours. This 30-minute checklist protects the most common trouble spots before the first hard freeze.

Outside

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses

• Shut the indoor valve for each outdoor spigot, then open the spigot to drain it

• Cover spigots with an insulated faucet cover

Inside

• Wrap exposed pipes in unheated spaces with foam sleeves

• Seal drafts near pipes with caulk or spray foam

• Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when you travel

On the coldest nights

Open the cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls and let a pencil-thin stream of water run from the farthest faucet.

If a pipe freezes

Turn off the main water valve, then warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame. If you cannot find the freeze or the pipe has split, call us right away.