Being proactive to fight the winter cold in plumbing systems is the best way to avoid those unpleasant calls from tenants about frozen pipes, which is this week’s maintenance tip from Keepe.
No. 1 – Seal cracks near pipes
Survey the entire exterior of the building for small air leaks. Small air leaks, sometimes leaking around insulation, are often the first culprits leading to a frozen pipe. Seal the cracks using insulation or caulk.
No. 2 – Set indoor air temperatures of at least 65 degrees
Have your tenants keep an eye on indoor air temperatures. Make sure it doesn’t fall below 65 degrees to avoid freezing the pipes. See item No. 5 below in regards to this.
No. 3 – Put away outdoor hoses
And remember to completely shut off their indoor valve during the winter season. Before covering the hose bibs, make sure all water is completely drained out of them. Then once this is done, store the hose.
No. 4 – Let faucets drip with warm water
This is essential especially on nights when temperatures drop to an all-time low level. This practice  prevents pipes from freezing. Just a trickle of warm water – dripping for hours on end – is enough to save the pipes from freezing during winter.
No. 5 – Leave cabinet doors open
Pipes under bathroom sinks and kitchen sinks are susceptible to cold air when the cabinet doors are closed. So leave them open to allow circulation of warm air in and around the pipes.
If your plumbing systems and pipes succumb to freezing during the winter season, turn off the main water supply first, and call professional plumbing services as soon as possible.
About Keepe:
Keepe is an on-demand maintenance solution for property managers and independent landlords. The company makes a network of hundreds of independent contractors and handymen available for maintenance projects at rental properties. Keepe is available in the Greater Seattle area, Greater Phoenix area, San Francisco Bay area, Portland, and San Diego. Learn more about Keepe at https://www.keepe.com
