When you’re leaving your property for an extended period of time during the winter, it’s essential to take preventative measures to avoid water damage and protect your home. Frozen pipes that burst can cause significant damage, leading to costly repairs and problems like mold. Here’s a handy guide to winterizing your home so you can leave with peace of mind.
Maintain a Safe Temperature
To prevent frozen pipes, it’s crucial to keep your heating system running, even when the home is unoccupied. Set your thermostat to a minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. This is enough to keep water pipes warm while saving on energy costs.
Remember to check that all windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent cold drafts, which can cause indoor temperatures to drop and increase the risk of freezing.
Turn off the main water supply and flush the pipes
A vital step in protecting your home is to turn off the main water supply. Once the water is turned off, open all the taps to allow any remaining water in the pipes to drain completely.
This simple measure prevents standing water from freezing inside the pipes, which could cause them to burst. Also, remember to empty the hot water tank and flush the toilet. For complete peace of mind, consider adding antifreeze to sink and shower drains to prevent any problems with pipes exposed to the cold.
Schedule Regular Visits
Even with these precautions, it’s a good idea to have someone you trust visit your home regularly while you’re away. They can make sure the heating system is working properly, that the pipes are in good condition, and that there are no signs of leaks or other problems.
These regular visits also help to catch any problems early, reducing the risk of major damage. If no visit is possible, installing a remote monitoring system or water sensors can be an alternative to monitoring your property.
The consequences of frozen pipes
If pipes are not protected and water freezes inside, the pressure exerted by the ice can cause cracks or bursts. When they thaw, the water can quickly escape, causing flooding and structural damage.
In addition to property damage, the excess moisture created by these incidents promotes the growth of mold, a problem that can affect air quality and the health of occupants. Preventing these situations costs less and takes less time than the repairs needed after the fact.
Protect your home with the right reflexes
Winterizing your property is an essential step to avoid unpleasant surprises when you return. At Benjel, we provide you with advice and services to help you protect your home against the harshness of winter.
By following these simple steps, you can leave with peace of mind and find your property in the same condition when you return. Contact us to learn more about our solutions for effective management of your home during your absence.
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