It’s cold out there, Metro Atlanta, and it’s likely to get colder. Winter weather can wreak havoc on your home if you are unprepared. At Labb Homes, we’re here to offer helpful reminders of simple home maintenance that can save you tons of hassle, mess, and money in the long run.
The most common problem homeowners face with cold weather is frozen pipes. The mess happens when the pipes burst and thaw, causing water leaks, flooding, and damage. How can you avoid this in your own home? Perform a few simple chores today to avoid big expense tomorrow.
Avoid Frozen Pipes with these Easy Steps
- Start outside by disconnecting garden hoses and draining them completely before storing for the winter, preferable indoors.
- Turn off the water to outside faucets by using the valve inside your home. Drain the remaining water by allowing it to run until dry. Insulated faucet covers, available at your local hardware store, can provide extra protection from the cold.
- Turn off your sprinkler system and blow compressed air through the lines to drain them.
- Inside, close and cover basement windows and foundation vents.
- Keep your garage doors closed. This alone can raise the temperature in your garage by up to ten degrees, protecting the pipes in those interior walls.
- Set faucets in kitchens and baths to a slow trickle overnight. This will keep the lines flowing and less likely to freeze. It’s especially important for sinks on an exterior wall.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate. Again, this is particularly important for sinks on exterior walls.
- Locate the main water cut-off and be ready to turn it off if a pipe does freeze. This will help minimize damage when the pipe thaws, if it has burst and begins to leak.
Minimal preparation can go a long way when freezing temperatures invade the sunny South, where homeowners are better equipped for long, hot summers. This winter, when you stock up on bread and milk before the next winter storm, don’t forget to prepare your home’s water system, too. We hope the next batch of frigid winter weather finds you snug and warm inside your home, fully prepared and with peace of mind that your home is protected.
Labb Homes has been building quality new homes in and around Atlanta for over 30 years. For more information on our communities and available homes, visit us online at MyLabbHome.com. To keep up to date on the latest news and offerings by Labb Homes, check us out on Facebook.
This blog post and information it contains, including but not limited to plans, pricing, and financing options, may change without notice. Please contact sales agents for the most up-to-date information.
January 8, 2025
