If you live in New Jersey, you know that we can get hit with nasty winter
storms, that can drop temperatures below freezing, dump piles of snow, and coat
everything with ice during the winter months. This can lead to power outages
and frozen pipes. The last thing anyone wants to deal with is a frozen or
busted pipe. Luckily, your Homeowners or Renters insurance should cover any
damage. But how do you avoid the damage in the first place?
The best way to keep your pipes from freezing
is prevention. Many people refer to this as home safeguarding. Let’s face it,
no one wants to deal with insurance claims or cleaning up watery messes. Here
are some helpful tips to help safeguard your home during this winter season:
Prevention
●
Be sure to keep your outside hose valve open so any remaining
water in the pipelines can expand without cracking or breaking the pipes.
●
Insulate your water pipes. Insulating pipe sleeves are very
useful and easy to install. They can be found in hardware stores and many home
improvement stores.
●
Open cupboard doors under the sinks in your kitchen and bathroom(s)
to allow warm air to get to the pipes.
Preventing
Your Pipes From Freezing During a Prolonged Power Outage
A power outage can be a real winter safety
problem for you, your family, and your pipes. Doring a prolonged outage, you
have no heat in your home to help keep the pipes warm, nor do you have any
electricity, so you may have to depend on your trusty flashlight to perform the
following preventative measures:
●
During a short power outage a steady trickle of water from both
the hot and cold pipes can prevent them from freezing. When the temperatures
fall below freezing, turn both the hot and cold water faucets on in your home
to allow a small stream of water to flow from the pipes. You should do this
with all your sinks and bathtubs/shower stalls. The running water will prevent
the pipes from freezing.
●
During a longer power outage, you will need to drain your water
system. Always remember to unplug your water heater before draining it just in case
the power comes back on unexpectedly. Not only could you damage your water
heater, if not unplugged, there is also a danger if electrocution.
●
When draining your furnace be sure to turn off the emergency
switch. Drain your furnace by opening the valve at the bottom, it’s not hard to
miss, it looks like your garden faucet. Next, open all the furnace’s radiator
vents.
●
The water in your electric water heater will stay warm for two
to three days after a power outage. After the third day, if your power is still
out, you will need to drain the heater.
Winterizing
Your Drainage System
These
simple things will help prevent frozen pipes and lots of headaches:
●
Shut off all the valves that allow water to enter your home.
●
To winterize the drain traps in your sinks, showers/tubs,
washing machine, toilets, and other areas where a drain trap is located, pour a
small amount (about ¼ cup) of recreational vehicle antifreeze in the drains.
NEVER use regular (automotive) antifreeze: it is toxic. When using in the
toilets, flush first.
●
You can also use denatured alcohol (highly recommended compared to
any type of antifreeze).
The winter months can be difficult for a lot of
people and winter safety is always a priority; so make sure your home insurance
coverage is up to date just in case you need it. If you found the information
in this blog post useful please click the like button and feel free to share
your comments and suggestions below!
Sources: http://www.rp-l.com/outageprep.php, http://www.safeelectricity.org/information-center/library-of-articles/62-storm-preparation-fallwinter/318-what-to-do-during-an-electrical-outage, http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm/preventing-thawing-frozen-pipes, http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/new-jersey/united-states/3200
