Nobody wants the headaches and expensive plumbing bills to repair water damage in your home from water pipes that have frozen and burst. According to experts, local temperatures recently have remained consistently below the threshold at which the risk of frozen pipes rises. According to Consumer Reports, that risk also includes pipes inside your home:
“The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze… Research conducted by the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois shows that the “temperature alert threshold” is 20° F, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space. “
Some of the prevention tips:
“Keep garage doors closed… Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors… Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes… Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature…”
Read the full article by Consumer Reports for the complete list of prevention tips, and the explanations for each prevention tip. The article also explains how to safely thaw frozen pipes, so you don’t accidentally start a house fire.