FROZEN PIPES: Easy Tips to Protect Your Property and Avoid Costly Damage

Falling winter temperatures across the NJ region can freeze plumbing systems and cause serious costly damage. Find out how to avoid frozen pipes by following these easy preventative steps.

• Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature throughout the day and night. You may
incur higher heating costs but you’ll be preventing a much more costly repair and potential
property loss.

• If you plan to leave your home for an extended period of time, set the temperature in your
home to no lower than 65ºF. Consider shutting off the water at the main supply line and
then opening faucets to drain the system.
• Open cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom to allow warmer air to circulate around the
plumbing. Be mindful of any cleaners or chemicals that should be moved out of the reach
of children and pets.
• Let cold water drip from your faucets. Even a trickle will help prevent freezing.
• Disconnect exterior hoses and turn off the water supply to outdoor hose bibs, draining
all exterior plumbing lines.
• If you have water supply lines in your garage, keep the garage doors closed and consider
turning off the water that supplies the line(s) in the garage.

For more information, check out the Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes section of the Red Cross.

For additional information we invite you to call us toll free at 877-410-1850 or visit our Contact Page.