Save Your Pipes This Winter

Between gifts and home heating costs, the holidays can hit your bank account hard. If you add frozen pipe damage to the roster, it can be financially brutal.

“The holidays can make your budget very tight, but frozen pipes can literally put you under water,” says Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating. “The average cost to repair damage from burst pipes is in the thousands. Preparing your home to avoid these mishaps can save your wallet and help you avoid added holiday stress.”

To help, we at DFW Properties would like to present these suggestions from Petri Plumbing and Heating, Inc. so that homeowners can proactively prepare their homes to avoid frozen pipe damage.

Allow cold water to drip from faucets

When temperatures are expected to drop, allow faucets to slowly drip. Standing water is more susceptible to freezing and keeping the water flowing will prevent disastrous issues from developing.

Monitor the thermostat

Make sure the home’s temperature is no lower than 55 degrees, especially if there are plans to travel for the holidays. A dip in temperature can increase the chances of frozen plumbing.

Open cabinets under sinks and vanities

These areas are more susceptible to damage from a temperature drop. Keep cabinets open to maximize the ambient heat circulating in the home.

Insulate the home 

Attics, basements, and crawl spaces can develop leaks and cracks over time. Insulating these areas will maintain warmer temperatures and don’t forget to check around the foundation of the home as well.

Insulate the pipes

There are many products on the market to add insulation to your pipes. Heat tape, pipe sleeves, and heat cable are easy, low-cost options that will add an extra level of protection when temperatures are low.

DFW Property Management.com manages properties in the entire Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex. We offer three property management packages: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Please click on the links to read more about each one, or check out our comparison page. Give us a call at 682-200-6700 if you have any questions.