Freeze Warning: Protect your home
FREEZE WARNING FOR MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Protect your home from freezing temps
The National Weather Service Forecast Office is predicting very cold temperatures for Middle Tennessee over the next several days with low temperatures in the teens possible. With this in mind, here are few tried and true precautions to help protect your home:
INSIDE YOUR HOME
? Keep the house warm. Set the thermostat for at least 65 degrees, as the temperature inside the walls, where pipes are located, is substantially colder. A lowered thermostat will not keep the pipes from freezing.
? Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).
? Know how to shut off the water to your home. If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence. The more quickly you shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better your chances at minimizing damage. Homes equipped with Fire Sprinkler systems typically have a separate distribution system and shutoffs, so make sure you are familiar with how to shut off the water supply in the event of frozen lines or a leak.
OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
? Detach garden hoses from spigots (hose bibbs)
? Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. Or, if your house will be unattended for long periods, have a plumber or knowledgeable professional drain the water system.
? Keep crawl space vents closed during cold spells to trap warmer air under the house to prevent water lines from freezing.
? Keep garage doors closed when not in use – this includes both overhead doors and pedestrian doors. This will help protect plumbing in garage areas that contain utility tubs, water heaters and fire sprinkler plumbing.
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period, take special care. Turn off the water and/or have the water system drained by a professional to protect plumbing. Also, have someone check your home on a regular basis so that any problem can be corrected quickly.
Looking for a new home?
Visit www.BuyPatterson.com for more information on Patterson Company's new homes and neighborhoods.