(AMA Guide) Winter Weather Safety: Property

Frozen pipes are one of the most common — and most costly — problems that come with a hard freeze. A little preparation before temperatures drop can save you a major headache later.

What to know

• Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air reach the pipes

• Let faucets drip — moving water freezes more slowly

• Disconnect hoses, insulate outdoor faucets and pipes

• Know where your water shutoff is — turn it off at the first sign of a broken pipe

• Never use a propane torch or open flame to thaw frozen pipes — call a plumber

• Cover or bring in plants; group container plants together near your home

• Keep kitty litter, sand, or commercial deicer on hand for icy steps and sidewalks

Details

Before the freeze, open cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks so warm air from your heater can circulate around the pipes underneath. Insulate any exposed outdoor pipes with commercial covers, newspaper, or towels, and disconnect garden hoses from spigots. Let one faucet drip slightly to keep water moving, since still water freezes faster. If you spot signs of a broken pipe, locate your water shutoff immediately and turn it off to limit damage while you wait for a plumber. Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with a torch or other heat source — it can start a fire inside your walls.

For plants, cover them with fabric, a towel, or a blanket, and add plastic sheeting on top if you have it. Group potted plants together near the house. Soil in containers can freeze all the way to the roots even if the leaves look fine. Keep kitty litter, sand, or a commercial deicer handy to treat your steps and sidewalks and prevent falls.