STOP FROZEN PIPES THROUGH PREPARATION
Preventing frozen pipes is a job that requires work both inside and outside the home. Using insulation, such as old towels, to protect exposed outdoor pipes can be an inexpensive way to avoid damage. Once cold weather hits, opening cabinets to expose internal pipes to warm air and letting a faucet run with a very small stream can help you avoid the flood of problems that come from frozen pipes.

TURN OFF THE WATER BEFORE YOU GO
Winter storms can knock out power to entire neighborhoods for days at a time, leaving your home and pipes vulnerable to freezing. If you leave for an extended trip, be sure to turn off your home's water supply (usually at the water meter) and drain the water supply lines by opening a faucet at the furthest point from the meter.

KEEP MOTHER NATURE OUTDOORS
Sealing leaks around windows with caulking materials will help keep cold air from siphoning money out of your wallet through inflated heating bills. Also, check the stripping on outer doors for wear and replace if necessary. That strip of rubber keeps the winter air out of your home and out in the cold where it belongs.

CLEAN UP AND CLEAR OUT
Clearing the gutters of debris before winter weather hits will allow for melted snow to drain properly and will help keep ice from building up and damaging your roof and gutters.

STERLING BUILDERS, INC.
ERIC REPPHUN