How to Prevent Freezing Pipes, Part 1 #homeownership #realestate

Source:  HouseLogic

You CAN prevent freezing pipes and the costly damage that goes with them. 
Wicked winter weather can cause plumbing pipes to freeze and possibly burst, causing flooding and costly water damage to your home.  Taking preventive measures before winter sets in can reduce and eliminate the risk of frozen pipes and other cold-weather threats.

Where the Trouble Lies
"Some pipes are more prone to freezing than others because of their location in the home," explains Paul Abrams, spokesman for Roto-Rooter.

Pipes most at risk for freezing include:
- Exposed pipes in unheated areas of the home.
- Pipes located in exterior walls.
- Any plumbing on the exterior of the home.

Preventative Measures for Outside
A frozen garden hose can cause more damage than a busted hose; it can actually burst an interior pipe.  When the water in the hose freezes, it expands, increasing pressure throughout the whole plumbing system.  As part of your regular season maintenance, garden hoses should be disconnected, drained and stored before the first hard freeze.  
If you don't have frost-proof spigots, close the interior shut-off valve leading to that faucet, open and drain the spigot, and install a faucet insulator.  They cost only a couple of bucks and are worth every penny.  Don't forget, outdoor kitchens need winterizing, too, to prevent damage.

Small tips can bring big savings over time, and even add value to your home.

Thinking about buying or selling?  LET ME BE YOUR RESOURCE.  Contact me.

Felicia Jones, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty, BRE# 01977033
424.278.9426
homesbyfelicia@kwrealty.com
www.feliciajones1.kw.com

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