Frozen pipes are no joke

Q: While we spend a couple of months in Florida, our grandson Ronnie will be house-sitting, making sure the place is taken care of. I asked him to make sure that he leaves a couple of taps dripping anytime the temperature dips below freezing. He just chuckled and said, "Won't that run up your water bill?" Now I'm worried he won't do it. What should I do to make sure he knows how important it is that the pipes don't freeze? — Carl H., via e-mail

A: At the risk of sounding flippant, I'd tell Ronnie that while you handle the hopefully moderate water bill, he can cover the exorbitant cost of replacing burst pipes and repairing water damage. However, I have a feeling that he was just joking a bit. So, go easy on him, but make sure he knows you want him to keep the taps dripping.

Homes in the northern United States and Canada use higher-rated insulation than houses in the warmer southern states. That helps reduce frozen and burst pipes. But when a house isn't regularly lived in, if the heat is kept to a minimum to save energy, and water isn't running through the pipes daily, the risk of frozen pipes goes up.

If Ronnie lives in the house while you're gone, the risk of frozen pipes may be minimal. But he still should check less-used areas each week, and daily when the temperature remains below freezing for several days. He should run his hand along exposed pipes in the basement or crawlspace to feel for cold spots that indicate freezing sections. And he should run water occasionally in sinks or tubs that don't see regular use while you're gone.

Make sure that Ronnie has contact information for repair contractors, plumbers and heating specialists so he can have any problems addressed immediately while you're away.

HOME TIP: To prevent damage to exterior water spigots during cold snaps, shut off water to the outdoor spigots and drain them completely so no water remains in the pipes.

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