Cold Weather Tips for Homeowners
- Ensure heating systems are working properly. For tips on Heat Pumps, visit: Department of Energy - Heat Pump Tips
- Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly
- Seal leaks that allow cold air inside
- Eliminate drafts from crawl spaces by closing crawl space vents and stopping other air inflows during cold periods
- Check your home’s crawl space, attic, basement, garage, and other areas for exposed water pipes.
- Wrap exposed pipes with insulation and/or heat tape. If heat tape is used, follow manufacturer’s instructions and all applicable safety standards
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage
- Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets- Make sure all hoses are disconnected from spigots and spigots/faucets are covered
- The interior pipes most likely to freeze are nearest an outside wall, door, window, and along the floor. Open cabinets doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks
- Let water drip from faucets- Running water through the pipe-even at a trickle-helps prevent pipes from freezing
- Set the thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees during cold weather even if the house is vacant
- Properly winterize swimming pools and water sprinkler systems following manufacturer’s directions
- Know the location of your main water shut off valve (if your house has one) or the location of your water meter
- If needed, water can be shut off at the meter by the homeowner using a crescent wrench. CWL personnel will also be available if assistance is needed.
- If your water meter box is broken or missing, contact CWL for repair or replacement