The first day of winter is approaching and with that, forecasters are anticipating frigid temperatures 
throughout the northeast over the next few months. Low temperatures combined with strong winds means an increased potential for frozen and burst pipes.
Here are a few tips to help safeguard against frozen pipes
- Leave the heat up! Set the thermostat and leave it set to the same temperature day and night.
- Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
- If you have an attached garage, keep the doors shut. Wind and cold air drafts increase the likelihood of a frozen pipe.
- If you are going away shut off the water supply line to your washing machine.
- Drain and shut off all outside spigots.
- Not around your home or summer/rental property? Have someone check on the house. Once the ice melts and the temperatures rise the water will start to flow. Mark the main water supply line so it can be easily identified.
What do you do if you have a frozen pipe?
If you have a leak, turn the water off immediately to prevent water damage and call a licensed plumber to make repairs. If your home is heated by an older steam heating system, consult with your heating professional to determine if it is safe to continue to run the heating system with the water supply turned off for your particular heating system.