.jpg)
By now, you’re likely aware that many parts of the nation were swept with extreme freezing temperatures this past Winter. While it’s not extremely unusual on a year by year basis, it is known to cause plumbing to freeze, which can lead to extensive damage. Flooded basements and failing furnaces are just some of the headaches that come with the harsh freezes.
Below are some tips on how to best keep your property warm and dry during months that have potential to see extreme cold temps. These can be useful resources to ensure the safety and comfort of your family and home.
- Drain and store your outdoor hoses. Ensure all hoses are disconnected from the spigot ahead of the first freeze of each season. In our area, winter watering is crucial so just remember to disconnect the hose after each watering.
- When experiencing a deep freeze, keep indoor faucets running at a slow trickle to avoid them freezing and bursting.
- Open bathroom cabinets or kitchen cabinets under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around any exposed pipe. Keeping a space heater close by can help as well, so long as it’s consistently monitored for safety.
- Keep an eye out for any sitting water to catch a burst pipe before too much damage is done. Shut off the main water to the home to stop any more water from gathering, should you discover a burst pipe or leak.
Always ensure that you are replacing the air filter in your furnace regularly. We recommend replacing the filter monthly. If the filter is dirty or clogged, there is a good chance the furnace will not function properly.
Keeping the interior of the home at a warm temperature is important to keep pipes from freezing as well. We have found it best to always ensure heat is on in the property and set to at least 60 degrees anytime temperatures will be below freezing. If you suspect an issue with the furnace, be sure to report it to your Property Manager – if renting. If you own the property, you can contact applicable HVAC companies in your area. It would be best advised to do this as soon as you see an issue, in order to have the issue addressed as expediently as possible. HVAC and plumbing companies tend to book up quickly during an extreme freeze.
If you suspect frozen pipes, keeping a well monitored space heater near to exposed plumbing can help to thaw them out but it’s going to take time. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon that pipes will remain froze until the outside ambient temperature starts to warm up. At that time, it will be even more crucial to be diligent in looking for potential leaks and bursts.
If you are one of our clients, rest assured that we send similar tips to tenants ahead of deep freezes and are always on standby to address emergencies as they are reported. If you’re a tenant, please be sure to follow the tips closely and report any issues just as soon as they are discovered. We are with you during All Seasons and are ready to help with emergency issues, should you require assistance with your managed property.
If you’re an investment property owner in the Colorado Springs area and are considering hiring a professional Property Manager to protect your asset and provide peace of mind, contact us today at (719) 632-3368. We would love to share details on our style of Property Management!
