Reducing the Risk of Water Damage

Proper maintenance during winter weather can reduce the risk of damage due to water intrusion.

Use the following guidelines to prepare for and respond to freezing weather:

Insulate all accessible pipes using pipe insulation (this can be found at your local hardware store).
Keep all exterior entry, exit, and garage doors to unheated spaces closed as much as possible during the winter months.
Prior to the winter months, ensure that all cracks, holes, and other openings on the exterior walls are sealed tightly with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating the wall cavity.
If the temperature drops lower than usual and any pipes are located adjacent to exterior walls or within base cabinets or in closets, leave the cabinet/closet doors open or use a fan to increase warm air circulation around the pipes.
In areas of severe cold weather, pay close attention to local weather reports for notice of extreme weather.
When extreme cold weather is predicted, let all faucets drip to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet.
The pressure buildup is the actual cause of bursting pipes. Install a water leak detection system, available at your plumbing supply store, which will alert someone in your household if water is detected.
Shut off the water supply during periods when the home may be unoccupied, particularly when colder weather is expected.
Be sure to drain your water supply system before leaving the home unoccupied.

Turn on each water supply faucet individually (both hot and cold) to ensure that there is a steady stream of water present.
If the flow of water is slowed, or worse, there is no flow, then it is likely that your pipe has frozen.
Identify the blockage (probably the area of most exposure) and use a blow dryer (do NOT use an open flame torch!) to heat the supply line, while leaving the faucet open.
Continue heating the pipe until there is a steady flow of water.

Remove snow from window wells and against walls.
Snow buildup around windows and against walls also can lead to water damage.
To maintain proper drainage and reduce the risk of leaks in basements, remove snow from window wells and against all walls.