Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather!

Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather: Protect Your Pipes!

As colder temperatures approach, it’s time to start preparing homes throughout Montreat for the winter months. With many of our homes being older and some having aging plumbing and water lines, taking a few preventative steps now can help avoid frozen pipes, costly repairs, and interruptions to your water service.

Whether you live in Montreat year-round, visit seasonally, or are staying in one of our rental properties, we encourage everyone to take a few minutes to prepare their homes before freezing temperatures arrive.

Here are some important steps to help protect your home and plumbing during cold weather:

Protect Your Pipes

• Insulate exposed pipes. Pay special attention to pipes located in crawlspaces, basements, garages, attics, and other unheated areas. Older homes may have plumbing that is especially vulnerable to freezing.
• Disconnect garden hoses. Remove hoses from outdoor faucets and, if possible, shut off and drain exterior hose bibs.
• Protect pipes near exterior walls. Open cabinet doors beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing, particularly when temperatures are expected to drop significantly.
• Seal drafts. Check for openings around foundations, crawlspaces, windows, and doors where cold air can reach plumbing.
• Keep your heat on. Maintain indoor temperatures of at least 55°F, even when you are away from your home.

When Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

• Allow a small, steady drip of water from a faucet served by vulnerable plumbing during extended periods of extreme cold. Moving water can help reduce the risk of freezing.
• Keep garage doors and crawlspace access doors closed to help retain warmth.
• Check your home periodically for signs of frozen or leaking pipes.
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is located so you can quickly turn off the water if a pipe freezes or breaks.

If Your Home Will Be Vacant During Winter

For those who leave Montreat for extended periods during the winter, additional precautions are especially important.

• Consider having a licensed plumber properly winterize your home, including shutting off the water supply at the house and draining the plumbing system. Reminder: only a member of Town Staff can shut off water at the meter.
• Do not simply turn the heat off when leaving for an extended period.
• Ask a neighbor or property manager to periodically check the home, particularly following periods of extreme cold.
• Make sure guests, renters, or anyone responsible for the property knows where the main water shutoff is located and who to contact in an emergency.

What If Your Pipes Freeze?

If you suspect a pipe has frozen, turn off the water at your home’s main shutoff valve if necessary and contact a licensed plumber. Never use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water immediately to minimize damage.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way!

The Town of Montreat encourages everyone to take these precautions seriously. Preventing frozen pipes not only protects your home but can also help prevent water loss and disruptions to the community’s water system.

Thank you for helping us keep Montreat safe and prepared throughout the winter season!