If you live in a climate with freezing temperatures, it's important to protect your pipes. Water freezing inside pipes can cause them to rupture, leading to expensive leaks and even flooding. Unfortunately, since water pipes are all hidden away, it's easy to forget they're at risk of freezing. Here are some tips for simple ways to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter:
One of the simplest things you can do to protect your water pipes is to keep the indoor temperature consistent in your home. Instead of adjusting the thermostat for day and night, try to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the house at all times. If you are leaving for a winter vacation, leave the heat on. While it might seem wasteful to heat an empty house, keeping your thermostat set to a minimum of 55 degrees can save your pipes from freezing.
A dripping faucet is a common household annoyance with surprising benefits in the winter months. The primary cause of pipes bursting is pressure from frozen water inside them, but that water is far less likely to freeze if it's moving. Even the slightest trickle of water can create enough friction to prevent freezing and blockages in your pipes. You don't need to let everything drip, however. Identify which pipes are exposed to the cold, like those in your attic or basement. Letting even one of those faucets drip at night or while you're away from home can prevent plumbing disasters.
In most kitchens and bathrooms, sink pipes are hidden in cabinets. While this is great for aesthetics, it can increase the risk of pipes freezing by trapping cold air in small spaces. To avoid this, let the pipes breathe: open your cabinet doors to allow warmer airflow from the rest of the house. While it might not seem like much, even half a degree of warmth from opening your cabinet doors can prevent water in your pipes from freezing.
Experts recommend preparing for the winter chill beforehand with pipe insulation and by sealing any cold air leaks. However, these tips can help you prevent damage to your water pipes and avoid potential issues even in the coldest climates.
Kim Cuomo brings a 25 year wealth of experience and passion to the world of real estate, having dedicated over two decades to serving clients across the vibrant landscapes of South Florida. With a background as a paralegal, Kim's transition into real estate was not just a career change, but a discovery of her true calling. Her deep-rooted love for the industry is evident in the personalized, hands-on approach she adopts with each client, ensuring they feel valued and supported through every step of their journey.
Whether navigating the complexities of a first-time home purchase or orchestrating the sale of a luxurious $30 million estate, Kim's expertise spans the full spectrum of residential and commercial real estate. Her reach extends across Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County, offering a comprehensive understanding of the unique markets within each area.
Kim Cuomo's dedication to excellence and her ability to forge meaningful connections with clients make her not just an agent, but a trusted advisor and friend in one of the most significant transactions of their lives. Her commitment to providing exceptional service is unwavering, making her a standout professional in the South Florida real estate scene.
