Preparing For Freezing Weather
- Disconnect hoses and drain them
- Cover outdoor spigots with faucet covers or freeze caps
- Insulate pipes and faucets in unheated areas such as an attic or garage
- If you have a sprinkler system, follow the winterization protocol from your manufacturer. This typically involved disconnecting the water or using a shut-off valve, then manually draining the water from your system. Once complete, set the timer to “off.”
- Mulch garden beds with 2-3 inches of mulch to protect plant roots. Move potted plants indoors
- Set your thermostat to a minimum of 60° when outside temperatures are below freezing
- Shut off your water at night and drain the water from your pipes before going to bed, then turn the water back on in the AM when temperatures rise above freezing. Alternately, drip your faucets during the coldest hours (20° F)
- Leave cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around your pipes. Check for any gaps where the pipes penetrate your walls and fill these gaps with spray foam Or use hand towels to plug these gaps
- Check for air leaks. Look for gaps under your doors and either add a door sweep or use towels and blankets to plug the gap temporarily
- Change batteries in your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
