SWPPD Blog

A mid-winter getaway seems like a dream during a pandemic, but if your family has found a safe destination and is heading out of town for a couple of weeks, leave the heat on at home.

            It might seem like a waste of energy and money to heat an empty home, but the cost of cleaning up after a water pipe that has frozen and burst will be far more costly than leaving the thermostat set high enough to prevent the problem.

            When the water inside of a pipe freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe. That pressure can cause the pipe to crack or break, and water can gush out, causing a non-stop flood of water and causing massive damage to your property.

Here are some precautions to take before you leave:

• Shut off the water at the cut-off valve.
• Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Then, drain those faucets and leave them in the “on” position.
• Leave the heat set at around 50 degrees.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks so the heat can circulate around the water pipes.
• If your washing machine is in an unheated garage, shut off the water to the appliance.
• Insulate pipes in the attic and in crawl spaces using a product designed specifically for pipes.
• Give your house key to a trusted neighbor who can check for frozen pipes while you’re away.