From skiing to ice skating and building snowmen to drinking hot cocoa, cold weather is great for a slew of things.
But when temperatures dip below freezing during winter, failure to prepare for frigid weather can cause major damage to homes and not only cause headaches for homeowners but cost them thousands of dollars in repairs.
Here’s how to to prepare for your home during cold weather and how to keep your pipes from bursting.
Check your local weather forecast daily
Freeze warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.
To find out when temperatures are likely to dip below freezing, visit the weather service’s website at weather.gov.
USA TODAY also tracks weather watches and warnings nationwide, which you can check anytime here.
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Thermostats matter
Being prepared is key to preventing frozen pipes, Prime Drain Cleaning and Plumbing Owner Brycen Sperlich told USA TODAY.
“Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes,” said Sperlich, whose company is based in Middle Tennessee. “That is something I’ve done before when temps are getting into the teens. Open up a cabinet allows more heat to get to the pipes.”
He also recommends setting home thermostats no lower than 60 degrees.
How to properly drip your faucets
Water expands when it freezes, Sperlich said, so people should drip indoor facets when temps dip below 32 degrees.
Just make sure you drip the farthest faucet from your main valve.
“You don’t have to drip…
