Winterizing
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: August 13, 2010
Even though it may be a few weeks or months before the weather gets cold, now is the time to prepare your home for winter.
Outdoor plumbing is especially at risk when the temperature drops. If it falls below freezing, water inside can freeze and rupture the pipes. This can result in an astronomical repair bill, but there are some inexpensive ways to prevent this.
Wrapping Pipes
When it comes to wrapping pipes, you have a number of product options. Inexpensive foam insulation is one choice, and self-adhesive insulated foam pipe wrap tape is another. Always be sure to inspect pipes that were wrapped in the past, and replace any insulation that’s seen wear and tear over the seasons.
Insulating Hose Bibs
Like exposed pipes, hose bibs can also freeze in the winter. These can be insulated with household items such as newspapers or garbage bags, but a more durable option would be a hose bib insulator. They’re made of foam, inexpensive, easy to install and can completely seal your hose bib from the cold air.
Outdoor plumbing is especially at risk when the temperature drops. If it falls below freezing, water inside can freeze and rupture the pipes. This can result in an astronomical repair bill, but there are some inexpensive ways to prevent this.
Wrapping Pipes
When it comes to wrapping pipes, you have a number of product options. Inexpensive foam insulation is one choice, and self-adhesive insulated foam pipe wrap tape is another. Always be sure to inspect pipes that were wrapped in the past, and replace any insulation that’s seen wear and tear over the seasons.
Insulating Hose Bibs
Like exposed pipes, hose bibs can also freeze in the winter. These can be insulated with household items such as newspapers or garbage bags, but a more durable option would be a hose bib insulator. They’re made of foam, inexpensive, easy to install and can completely seal your hose bib from the cold air.
