Preparing your home for freezing weather

Temperatures are at an all time low here in the classic city of Athens, Georgia. If you plan to be out of town during this holiday season, please make sure you have prepared your houses for this deep freeze! Burst pipes and water damage is an extremely big deal, and adding these ideas to your mental checklist could save a lot of grief, especially if you are in a historic home. Here is a list of tips that we at ProBuilt recommend!

TIPS:

• Keep the temperature in your home above freezing, always, even if you are not there.

• If you have outdoor hoses disconnect them and install an insulating hose bib.

• Close or cover foundation vents under house and windows to basements.

• Close blinds and/or curtains at night to prevent heat loss.

• Door sweeps and removable window insulation tape are big helpers to keep your heat inside.

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow heated air to enter.

• Drip hot and cold faucets in kitchen and bath. Drip single control faucets with lever set in middle on nights with deeper freezing temps.

• Set ice maker to make ice if the water line runs under the house.

• Don't forget to check pipes to your washing machine in the laundry room. Use a space heater if it is located outside of a heated area.

• Flush your toilet if you happen to use it in the middle of the night. Moving water helps prevent freezing in sewer lines during deep freeze events.

• If you have a fire place, cap your chimney and be sure to inspect it regularly.

We hope you stay warm and safe during this chilly holiday season!