Cold Weather Care

Winter Safety Precautions

Remove snow and ice promptly, taking care not to dig into the concrete or asphalt surface. A thin layer of ice can be topped with sand or kitty litter for traction. We do not recommend salt since it can eventually result in damage to the surfaces, plus it will kill grass, shrubs and trees as it runs off. Provide a doormat outside to wipe sand off shoes before entering the home; a mat just inside the door will give added protection.

Freeze Protection (where applicable)

If your pipes freeze, make sure you are home when they thaw out. You can hear or see water leaking out of a frozen, burst pipe. It is critical that during and after the thawing period you spend time walking your entire home looking and listening for water. BURST PIPES FROM A FREEZE ARE NOT COVERED UNDER YOUR LIMITED WARRANTY.

During cold weather, please follow these procedures to help prevent water pipes from freezing:

• The thermostat should be set no lower than 65 degrees.
• Remove all hoses from outside hose bibbs (faucets), as they are designed to drain out 6" back into the house. If the hose is left on, such action is not possible, causing the hose bibb to freeze and break.
• If the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees, you should wrap all exterior pipes, hose bibbs and exterior faucets with some type of insulation. (Foam or cloth tape will suffice.)
• During freezing weather, with the outside temperature or wind chill below 20 degrees, cover vents in the crawl space. Make sure that these temporary covers are removed as soon as the temperature is above freezing.

If you are leaving your home for an extended period of time during the winter months, you should take all the precautions listed above and drain all water lines, including the icemaker lines and hose bibbs.