Another Northwest Indiana winter is beginning to settle in – bringing the freezing cold, snow, and frost that always proves a menace along with it. It is essential that homeowners prepare for the season before freezing temperatures become a daily occurrence.
As you're winterizing your home, your first order of business should be your home’s water system. Frozen pipes and faucets are a nightmare scenario for any family, causing costly damage that can even drive you out of your home until it is repaired. Fortunately, getting your system ready is easy if you follow a short list of simple tips suggested by Indiana American Water.
“Taking steps to winterize your home’s water system is crucial in northern Indiana to prevent costly damage and ensure uninterrupted service,” said Justin Mount, manager of Northwest Indiana Operations at Indiana American Water. “By taking proactive steps, you can protect your home from freezing temperatures, maintain reliable service, and avoid surprises as temperatures drop in the months ahead.”
How to prepare your home
Understand your system
There are a few key things to know about your water system before freezing temperatures settle in. The first is where your main water shut-off valve is. In many homes, it is close to the water meter or where the water pipe enters your home. Once you’ve found it, test it by closing it and ensuring that no water comes out of any fixtures in your home. After this, hang a tag on the valve to make it easier to find in case of an emergency.
Homeowners should also verify if any of their water pipes run through areas where they are more likely to freeze such as garages, basements, attics, exterior walls, or unheated rooms. If you run any sprinkler or irrigation systems, ensure that they are turned off and drained. Also ensure that any garden hoses are removed and external faucets are covered. Insulated covers are available at any hardware store for just a few dollars.
Protect your pipes
Any pipe that is exposed to the cold should be insulated. Heat tape is a powerful option, which is a heated cable you can wrap around your pipes that will activate as soon as the temperature drops below a certain level. Heat tape is available at affordable rates on Amazon or any hardware store, but cheaper, low-tech options such as towels, foam, or old newspaper clippings can be fairly effective as well.
It also helps to eliminate sources of cold by doing things such as fixing drafty windows and covering gaps in doors. Keeping your thermostat over 55 degrees is also an important step, particularly if you plan to be away from home for more than a day.
Extended cold snaps
During particularly deep or extended periods of freezing, make sure to keep water flowing through your pipes. Set the faucets furthest from your water heater to a small trickle or drip, circulating water is much more resistant to freezing.
You should also consider opening any cabinets where piping runs through, such as under your kitchen or bathroom sink. This helps warmer air hit the pipes and reduce their chance of freezing.
In case your pipes freeze
Sometimes the worst happens, and in this case, the most important thing to do is immediately shut off your water by using the shut-off valve you previously marked. Then, you can thaw the pipe by warming up the air around it. A space heater is one way, but do not leave it unattended. You can also use simple tools such as a hair or blow dryer – do not use an open flame or kerosene heater. Once the pipe is thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check your pipes for any cracks or leaks.
To learn more about Indiana American Water or to report a water or wastewater emergency, visit amwater.com/inaw.
