Top tips to make sure your home is safe from the frigid winter temperatures:

  1. Disconnect water hoses from your outside hose bibbs and drain any existing water in the hose.
  2. Cover each hose bibb with an insulated faucet cover.
  3. Close foundation vents to protect your crawl space pipes from the frigid winter air.
  4. Pipes in places like the attic, crawl space, or garage are more likely to freeze—especially when temperatures drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Using heat cables and insulation together will help protect pipes from freezing.
  5. Set your thermostat to at least 60 degrees if you will be away.
  6. Open sink cabinets on those extra-cold central Oregon nights to allow more heat from the home to protect the pipes.

Should I let my faucets drip on extra cold nights?

If you are finding it necessary to leave your faucets dripping in order to prevent them from freezing and bursting then your pipes are most likely improperly insulated or installed.