Fall is here and that means the weather is cooling off. As the temperatures drop, we need to spare a thought for our home's pipes that are very susceptible to freezing. Once the water in a pipe freezes, it expands, breaking the pipe open. Once the ice melts, this quickly results in flooding and extensive water damage. To prevent frozen and burst pipes, check out these tips. Along with quality homeowners insurance in Antioch, CA, your home can stay in good condition throughout winter.
Insulate pipes. A great way to stop the cold getting to the pipes is to wrap exposed pipes in insulation. For exterior pipes, you can pick up heat insulation tape from hardware stores for extra protection.
Leave the tap running. It may seem wasteful to turn your faucets on to ensure you have running water, but even letting your tap trickle keeps the pipes working, preventing freezing.
Open kitchen cabinet doors. If your kitchen sink pipe is located near the window (and most are), leave the cabinet open to keep warm air circulating around the pipes.
Seal cracks. Stop cold, exterior air getting to the pipes by sealing cracks in windows and doors. Use caulk to fill the gaps so that the warm air stays inside. This is especially useful in places like the garage.
Keep the heating on. Even if you're going away for a couple of days, don't be tempted to turn off your heating. Even keeping it on low means your pipes have a better chance of staying warm.
If water damage does occur, despite your best efforts, homeowners insurance is here to help. Talk to the team at Jack Stone Insurance Agency in California to find your suitable home insurance!