Winter can bring challenges to homeowners in colder climates like ours here in New England, especially when the temperatures get down into single digits and go below zero. There are a few easy precautions that can help prevent catastrophes.
Outside faucets should have a shut off valve in the basement that should be closed. Frost-free faucets are recommended, even so, it’s still advisable to shut off the interior valve to be safe. It's easy to do and can prevent frozen pipes.
You should consider running the water a little more than a drip to keep the water moving on those frigid days to prevent freezing, if you have areas where pipes are on the outside wall, near unheated spaced or in or next to colder spaces like garages.
Another area to be mindful of is heating systems exhaust vents that vent out the sidewall of the house. These power vents usually exit the sidewall low to the ground instead vs. those that vent into a chimney. When it snows, be sure to keep the snow and ice away from the vent so the exhaust can leave the house. If the snow piles up to it or above it, it can send carbon monoxide gas back into the house.
And for those homes heated by oil and propane, be sure to keep the pathway clear for the fuel delivery company, making it accessible and safe for them, free and clear of ice and snow and sand and salt if needed. Otherwise, they may not deliver or worse get hurt.
If you’re planning to be away during the winter, having a thermostat that can be read and controlled by your smartphone can give you peace of mind. You can see the house's temperature and avoid coming home to frozen pipes if, heavens forbid, your heating system goes off.
~Be Safe and stay warm :)
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