Simple drain screens can prevent:

• Hair

• Soap buildup

• Food particles

• Debris

A few dollars spent on drain strainers can save hundreds in plumbing repairs.

*Never pour grease down the drain.

Grease may go down as a liquid, but it hardens inside your pipes.

Instead:

• Let grease cool.

• Pour it into a disposable container.

• Throw it away in the trash.

Large trees naturally seek out moisture. Roots can enter tiny cracks in sewer pipes and eventually cause major blockages or broken lines. If your drains frequently back up, a sewer camera inspection can help identify the problem.

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages. Foam pipe insulation or heat tape can be effective.

• Let faucets drip slightly during freezing temperatures to keep water moving, reducing the risk of freezing - especially faucets connected to exposed pipes. 

• Check for drafts around doors, windows, and pipe entry points. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal gaps to keep the cold air out. 

• Leave cabinet doors open under sinks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

• Keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, even if you're away, to maintain warmth in your home. 

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses to prevent freezing in exterior faucet connections.

• Heat cables are a great proactive solution for particularly cold climates or vulnerable pipes.

• Know where your main shut-off valve is located in order to quickly respond to a burst pipe and minimize water damage. 

• Turn on faucets to relieve pressure in the system, allowing ice to melt and flow out as the pipe thaws.

• Apply heat safely using a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater to warm the frozen area of the pipe. 

• Avoid open flames like torches, as they are a fire hazard and can also damage the pipe.

• Call a Professional/Licensed Plumber if you're unsure how to handle a frozen pipe or if the pipe bursts.