As winter approaches, it is important to remain vigilant of frozen pipes. An eighth-inch crack in a pipe can gush out as much as 250 gallons of water a day and, left unchecked, the damage can be devastating. By taking a few simple precautions, you can save yourself the mess, money, and aggravation frozen pipes cause. Insulate pipes in your home’s exposed areas and attic. Disconnect garden hoses and make sure you shut off and drain supply lines to swamp coolers. If you leave your home for an extended period, ask a friend or neighbor to check your home daily. If your pipes do freeze, don’t take chances. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets on and call a plumber. If your pipes have frozen and ruptured, turn off the main water valve, leave faucets on and seek help. For more information and tips on how to prevent damage from frozen plumbing, contact your local water district or agency.
