#Moving checklist martha stewart install#

'To prevent clogging, inspect and clean the gutters of leaves and other debris,' says McCoy. If water gets trapped in your gutters during cold temperatures, it can freeze and force ice back under the edge of your home's shingles, causing long term damage and making your roof susceptible to leaks. Long icicles and snow overhaning the roof and gutter of a building.Ĭleaning your gutters is an essential part of preparing for winter.

Keep garden hoses disconnected from exterior faucets to prevent water from freezing inside the hose (which could actually rupture those outside faucets). Additionally, you can cover exterior faucets with insulated covers to help retain warmth from the home's interior. 'For any outdoor faucets with cut-off valves, be sure they are closed and faucets are drained,' says Joe Cobb, customer training manager at The Home Depot. Preventing frozen pipes has outdoor component, too, as sprinkler systems, swimming pool lines, and hoses are all susceptible to freezing. Just be aware that you may have to unplug and plug in the cables at the end of this winter and beginning of the next.' Protect Exterior Faucets

#Moving checklist martha stewart install#

'Another option is to install pipe heat cables that are thermostat controlled. 'You can use pipe wrap insulation-it winds around the pipe-or tubular pipe insulation,' says McCoy. Add InsulationĬovering your pipes with insulation is a long-term way to prevent frozen pipes and keep your home warm when cold weather hits. Too much pressure can lead to a ruptured pipe.' Pipes that run along exterior walls or have little to no insulation are most susceptible to freezing-as are supply pipes in unheated interior areas. 'When that happens, the water-now ice-in your pipes expands and exerts pressure on the pipe. 'Temperatures at or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can cause water in the pipes to freeze,' says Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe's. Prevent Your Pipes From Freezingįrozen pipes aren't just an inconvenience that blocks from water running into your home, but they can also be costly to repair should they burst.