Winter in the Midwest can mean extreme temperatures, causing additional challenges for homeowners. Follow our tips to take care of your home during a chilly winter, and hopefully avoid any cold-inflected problems!
Inside Your Home
- Keep your house heated above 60-65 degrees
- Protect your water lines with insulation pipe wraps
- Leave faucets on a slow drip
- Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Familiarize yourself with the location of the main water shut off and how it works
- Check that all your extra heating sources are in working order i.e. fireplaces, stoves, and electric heaters
- Keep your fireplace flue closed when not in use
- If you plan to be away, make sure you have someone who can check in on your home often
- Be prepared for power outages with a generator or propane space heater
- Unplug devices that you don’t need
- Run ceiling fans in reverse
Outside Your Home
- Keep your garage doors closed
- Cover outdoor spigots and pipes
- Disconnect hoses from the faucets
- Seal any exterior holes and cracks
- Cover any vents around the foundation
- Make sure gutters are free of debris
In The Event of Frozen Pipes
- Don’t wait for the frozen pipes to burst. Begin to thaw the pipes and/or call a plumber immediately. You can thaw pipes by applying heat such as a heating pad wrapped around the pipe, using a hair dryer, or using an electric heater
- If your pipes burst shut off the water immediately
- Check for any other frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, it is likely others will too
- Properly dry and repair any water damage
- Call your insurance professional to see what is covered by your insurance and how to file a claim for any damage
Now that you have protected your home for the winter, it is time to enjoy some winter activities! We have put together a list of Winter Events Near Springfield, MO. Get out and enjoy some winter time fun!