February 2016

Welcome to Winter!

It had to happen sometime. The low temperatures and lake-effect snow have finally rolled in. While you’re celebrating the opportunity to ski and sled, keep in mind that the cold can affect conditions inside your apartment, too.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

When you live in an apartment, it’s relatively easy to prevent pipes from freezing. You might not have to take as many steps as a homeowner, but you’ll still need to be mindful of temperatures inside and outside your apartment this winter. When the mercury dips below zero, the risk of bursting pipes goes way up. If your pipes do freeze, they could burst, sending water spewing all over your apartment and your belongings. To prevent damage and an uncomfortable living situation, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your pipes.

Keep the Heat Flowing

To keep your pipes from getting too cold, you just have to promote the flow of heat.

• Never turn your heat all the way off in the winter.
• Open the doors of cabinets that contain pipes.
• Keep the heat set to above 50 degrees.
• Don’t block off whole rooms or inhibit heat flow.
• Let the faucets drip just a little while you’re away and when temperatures are extremely low.

A little effort goes a long way. By taking these steps and encouraging your neighbors to do the same, you can protect the whole community from the disruptive (and expensive) damage that burst pipes can cause. So be mindful, stay warm, and enjoy the winter while it’s here!