Bitter cold is forecast for the Northwest Indiana and Chicago area over the next week with daytime highs in the teens and overnight lows below zero. This means pipes in homes are in danger of freezing and bursting, leading an emergency call to the plumber and expensive water damage in the house.
The freezing temperatures of winter pose a major threat to water lines in a home or office. It can be inconvenient and costly, but it is also preventable. We can’t control bitter cold, but we can take precautions to make sure our homes are safe of water damage as a result of cracked pipes.
TIPS TO PROTECT PIPES:
- Insulate exposed water lines – you can buy insulated sleeves from the hardware store which slip easily around exposed pipes in the garage, attic, basement, or outside. Pipes located in these areas are more susceptible to freezing.
- Seal leaks or cracks around pipes in the bathroom or kitchen – cold air can flood through the tiniest crevices. Insulate or caulk around pipes to keep them from freezing.
- Leave bathroom/kitchen cabinet doors open – this will allow warm room air to circulate around the pipes when cold weather invades. Also, let faucets drip to reduce pressure.
- Keep thermostat at same temperature day and night – the heating bill may be a bit higher, but it pales in comparison to paying for the damage of a pipe bursting.
- Remove hoses from outside faucets – if you leave hoses connected with water still in them, there’s no place for water from the faucet or the water line to drain. The trapped water freezes and expands, creating a crack in the line INSIDE the wall of your home, spewing water everywhere. For the faucets, you can buy an insulated cover or just wrap a towel, foam, or even newspaper around the faucet, cover in plastic and then tape to hold in place.
IF YOUR PIPES FREEZE…
- Turn on all faucets to find out which ones are working – a small trickle of water from one faucet while others are gushing is a good indicator of a frozen line.
- Work from the faucet, back, to check for ice blockage – run a hair dryer or heat gun back and forth along the pipe, warming it gradually. Never put a heat source directly on the pipe, especially if it’s PVC. It could rupture the pipe. Do not use any open flame.
- Check for leaks – if you see any leaks in the pipes, shut off the main water valve to the house and close all faucets.
- Add salt to drains – pour a tablespoon down the drain, but DON’T ADD WATER. The sudden temperature change could crack the pipe.MORE RELATED ARTICLES WE THINK YOU’LL LIKE . . .
Valparaiso Painters Excel as Finishers with Strong Family Values
The Finishers of Valpo is a trusted and established painting company proudly serving Northwest Indiana for over 10 years. With a decade of experience under their belt, they have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality interior and exterior painting services, cabinet refinishing, drywall repair, and more. Their work stands out for its attention to detail, precision, and long-lasting results that leave every home looking fresh and renewed.
CONTINUE READING . . .
Septic Tank Dos and Don’ts for New Homeowners
Unfamiliar with the septic tank in your new home? Protect your investment and health by learning the dos and don’ts of septic tank maintenance.
Signs That You May Need To Replace Your Bathtub
How often do you think about your bathtub? Most of us give it a good cleaning every now and then, especially when company is coming to visit. However, when was the last time you thought about getting a new tub for your bathroom or performing any significant remodeling to your bathroom? Here are a few…
Common Plumbing Issues Homeowners Should Know
Plumbing problems come in all shapes and sizes and are an inevitable part of owning a home. Normal wear and tear ages products until they no longer perform correctly. Below, you’ll find a list of common plumbing problems homeowners should know. Become familiar with these issues to catch the problem early and avoid expensive home…
3 Emergency Survival Supplies To Keep at Home
Learn about the essential emergency survival supplies you should always have at home to ensure safety and preparedness during unexpected situations.
Ways To Prevent Indoor Mold and Mildew Growth in Your Home
No homeowner wants to deal with finding mold and mildew. Try these preventative strategies to stop indoor mold and mildew growth in your home.
What Are the Best Options for Furnishing a Basement?
Want to make your basement a little more comfortable? Here are a few expert tips on furnishing your basement and converting it into a cozy area.
3 Factors That Make Your Property Appear Timeless
A timeless property is one that will feel like home for decades. Whether you intend to pass down your home or sell it, achieving a timeless look is always wise.
Weather-related disasters are unpredictable and can wreak havoc on homes. The aftermath of storm damage can be overwhelming for homeowners. Therefore, knowing how to respond effectively to minimize the impact on your property and your life is essential. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the daunting process of dealing with storm damage, and it…
15 Practical Steps to Embark on Your Home Sustainability Journey
In a world where our natural resources are under increasing strain, the journey toward more sustainable living has never been more important. And often, the most effective change starts right at home. Implementing sustainable practices Continue Reading . . .
Top Reasons Why Your
House Is Always Cold
The time of year where we turn our thermostats up and look forward to cozy nights in our homes has come. Although, if you turned your thermostat up and found you still have to bundle up for warmth, you may have a bigger problem on your hands. These top reasons why your house is always cold could be leaving you with a constant chill. Continue Reading . . .
How To Get Your Home Ready for Winter
Winterizing your home may be tedious, especially in older homes. Checking the furnace and its filter, closing all your storm windows, cleaning out the gutters, and so on is a lot to remember. What happens when winter sets in, the temperature drops, and you’re getting hit with precipitation left and right? One day it’s rain and then snow; some days, sleet; and other days, hail!
Continue Reading . . .
Most Important Areas of Your Home to Insulate
Insulating your home can help improve its energy efficiency and comfort while also greatly decreasing your energy bill. Insulating your home provides a barrier between the inside and outside of your home to reduce heat loss or heat gain. If your home is under-insulated, air can seep into or out of your home,
Continue Reading . .
Winter Is Coming: How To Prepare Your Car for Snow
If there is a part of the country that knows winter, it’s this one. We don’t complain about our cold, snowy winters. We use them as bragging rights. (And after the polar vortex of 2018, can you blame us?) But just because we are used to the snow doesn’t mean that we are always quite…
Continue Reading →
Everything You Need for a Winter Camping Trip
If you’re new to year-round camping, you might not believe that some campers take to the outdoors during the winter. While it might seem impossible, with the right tools and gear, you can continue your camping adventures even in the winter. Discover everything you need for your first winter camping experience. Four-Season Tent The winter…
Sledding in Northwest Indiana
It can get boring during the Pandemic during the winter months, however Sledding happens to be a socially distant activity for Family Fun in Northwest Indiana. In spite of the Pandemic, we suggest getting out and having some good, clean outdoor fun. Here’s a list of places to go sledding for your winter pleasure
Continue Reading . . .
Best Practices for Winter Recreation
Getting outside and working out can seem like a Herculean task, as the days get colder and the nights get longer. Most of us hit the pavement or gym and only the most dedicated of us can still tie up their running shoes. If you are going to do any sort of workout outside, you’re…
Continue Reading →
3 Safety Tips for Outdoor Fun This Winter
Does your family take annual ski trips? Do you like to hit up the sledding hills or build a magnificent snowman after the first big snow of the season? What about winter hikes or runs through the neighborhood? No matter how you like to spend your time outside, winter is full of opportunities. However, you…
Continue Reading →
Ice Fishing Locations and Safety Tips
Get the Indiana rules for catching fish, such as quantity, size, and licensing. This information is available Fishing and safety tips, Continue Reading . . . .
Common Car Problems During the Winter
Driving in the snow is beautiful and exhilarating, but it can also be a nightmare. If you do not have the know-how or tools, you can have serious problems with winter driving. Before you hit the road, here are a few of the most common car problems during the winter you should prepare for. Deflated…
Continue Reading →
3 Reasons To Go on a Winter Camping Trip This Year
Does your camping gear tend to spend the winter packed away? Many people go on vacation in the summertime, but cold weather shouldn’t prevent you from doing the things you love. There are many joys to winter camping you shouldn’t miss. Whether you’re a cold-weather junkie or you just want to mix things up this…
Continue Reading →
2 Ideas for a Safe Winter Vacation
For many people, the holidays are the highlight of the year. Even beyond the magnificent feasts and heartwarming family gatherings, the break from school or work brings a great opportunity for unforgettable trips and experiences. Of course, like many things in have changed a lot of winter travel plans. You don’t have to…
Continue Reading →
Essential Work Out Equipment for Cold Weather
As the days get colder and the nights get longer, getting outside and working out can seem like a Herculean task. Only the most dedicated of us can still tie up their running shoes and hit the pavement or gym. If you are going to do any sort of workout outside, you’re going to need…
Continue Reading →
Supplies You Should Have On Hand for Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are every homeowner’s nightmare, especially when it comes to worrying about the safety of your family. There are ways you can prepare for these emergencies—and you should, especially if you live in an area where natural disasters are common. In this article, we are breaking down the supplies you should have on hand for natural disasters so that you and your family can stay safe during an emergency
Continue Reading . . .
Safety Tips for Going Out on the New Year
Not many people realize that the end of the year and the beginning of the next are the most dangerous times of the year. Increased recklessness and criminal activity make this time of year so dangerous. The biggest dangers are New Year’s Eve and Day, as people drink a lot and go to massive parties. Here are a few tips to follow when going out to keep yourself safe on these days. Continue Reading . .
Home Improvement Tips . . .
Read More Home Improvement Tips, Click here.
• Stunning Home Exterior Remodeling Ideas
• Home Maintenance Skills Everyone Should Know
• Reasons Why your Asphalt Driveway is Cracking
• Top Reasons Why your House is Always Cold
• How to Get Your Home Ready For Winter
• Where to Insulate Your Home
• Things to Do Before Selling Your Home
• Tips for Remodeling Your Garage
• Common Causes of Residential Flooding
• Save with Senior Home Modifications
• Household Problems You Should NEVER Fix Yourself
• 5 Big Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Do In the Spring
• What to Consider When Building Your New Home
• Causes of Leaky Basements
• Basic Components of Building a Home
• Coolest Basement Ideas of All Time
4 Ways To Reduce Injuries on a Construction Site
Safety on construction sites is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a moral imperative. Site managers hold the crucial responsibility of ensuring that every worker returns home safely. Safety should always be at the front of any site manager’s mind, as construction sites are fraught with potential hazards. Common injuries, ranging from minor cuts to severe falls, can have detrimental effects on both the affected individuals and the overall progress of the project. Implementing effective ways to reduce injuries on a construction site is an essential part of maintaining a productive and harmonious work environment. Continue Reading . . .
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
