Protect Your Pipes

When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside pipes can expand, sometimes leading to burst pipes and costly water damage. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect your home and avoid expensive repairs. Open kitchen cabinets and bathroom sink doors to allow warm indoor air to circulate around the plumbing. This helps keep pipes from freezing. Disconnect any garden hoses from outdoor faucets, and consider using protective covers on exposed outdoor pipes, available at most home improvement stores.

For homes with irrigation systems, ensure that all water is cleared from the lines. Most irrigation companies offer a “blowout” service to remove standing water and prevent damage during hard freezes. Irrigation shut-off valves and backflow prevention devices are common trouble spots during freezing weather.

Residents can take the following steps:

1. Turn off the irrigation shut-off valves. Most systems have two, located before and after the backflow device. They’re usually marked with blue handles.
2. Use a screwdriver to release water pressure from the bleeder valves, often found just beneath the top of the backflow device. If water continues to flow, check that both shut-off valves are fully closed.
3. Leave the smaller bleeder valve slightly open. This allows any remaining water to expand safely without damaging the backflow device.

Following these steps can help protect your plumbing and irrigation systems throughout the winter season.