Did you know that an average of a quarter-million families have their homes ruined and their lives disrupted each winter, all because of water pipes that freeze and burst? According to the State Farm Insurance agency, a three millimeter crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day – a huge headache for you in the post holiday season. To prevent frozen pipes, here are a few tips:

Before temperatures start to fall, remember to insulate the pipes in your home’s crawl spaces, basements, and attics, as these areas are most susceptible to freezing. Check and seal leaks that could allow cold air inside areas where pipes are located. Even the tiniest of leaks can lead to a pipe problem. Finally, remember to disconnect your garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

Once the temperature starts to fall, use a trickle of hot water to prevent pipes from freezing overnight. While this may up your water bill a bit, it could be the difference between a good night’s sleep or a plumbing nightmare. During the day and through the night, open up cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks or appliances.

If you plan on going away at any time during the winter months, be sure to set the thermostat in your home no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, ask a friend to keep an eye on your property to make sure that water system is functioning well, or you could always shut off and drain the water system if you’ll be gone for a long period of time.

Should your pipes freeze, remember that SimplyPlumbing.com is here to provide you with Replacement Water Pipes and other plumbing supplies that you’ll need to make a repair. Or, you can always call a plumber to fix the problem.