Avoid Frozen Pipes this Winter

As we brace for our first "major" snowstorm here in the Pocono's I can't help but think of the empty homes that have not been "winterized".  A few years ago my neighbor's house was foreclosed on and the bank did not winterize the pipes.  Needless to say, the house hasn't resold and it now sits on a cracked foundation due to frozen pipes that burst and water flooded the basement and then froze.  oy vey

Depending on where you live, frozen pipes resulting in damage to your home and your belongings can be a very real threat. Here are a few tips to help prevent frozen pipes:

1. Disconnect all outside hoses. This is the most common cause of frozen pipes. One way to reduce this risk is by putting your hoses away in the shed or garage for the winter. That way, if someone connects a hose they will hopefully disconnect it to put it back in its place. Also, if you see a hose out of storage it will be a red flag that someone connected it.

2. Blow out sprinklers. This will prevent the system from freezing. If you realize you've forgotten to do this or if cold weather comes in early, at least be sure to turn the sprinkler water valve off. That way if it freezes your home won't flood.

3. If you’re leaving town during the winter, one way to protect your home is to turn the main water valve inside the home off while you’re gone.

4. Even though this is not a frozen pipe, clogged gutters can fill with ice and cause roof leaks from water damming. Another problem is the gutter can become heavy and rip off, causing other damage.

5. Occasionally in older homes or in areas with extreme low temperatures it's possible for the pipes inside an exterior wall to freeze. If you know the temps will be extreme you can keep a faucet at the end of this pipe running very slowing to prevent freezing.

Hope these few tips help and you stay warm.  

If you or someone you know is 

Selling, Buying, Investing or Renting in the Pocono's 

Call me today at 570-588-8085 

email me at alexa@kw.com 

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