Your space tracking should be your main focus when the freezing weather hits. Keeping your crawlspace above freezing temperatures can prevent your water pipes from freezing and bursting. Plumbing problems from frozen pipes can cost you thousands of dollars and the inconvenience of running out of water until they are fixed.

Here are five secrets to keeping your basement above freezing temperatures and your plumbing intact during the cold winter months:

1. Prepare for cold weather – Benjamin Franklin once said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is as true today as it was when Franklin made the quote. Take the time to inspect your crawl space and look for leaks in your plumbing. If you see any leaks, fix them before they cause bigger problems. Check your crawl space doors to make sure they are working properly for maximum ventilation. Replace them if necessary. A cramped space with high humidity and humidity can lead to plumbing and structural problems. A small investment for as little as $99 can potentially save you thousands of dollars.
2. open your cabinets – Believe it or not, your bathroom and kitchen cabinets with plumbing on the exterior walls of your home can help or hinder you with the process of protecting your pipes during cold spells. Take the time to open your cabinet doors and let the heat from your home help keep your pipes warm. Every little bit helps!
3. Keep the dripping going! – Keep a slow drip on your faucets so this prevents your pipes from freezing. Moving water is harder to freeze than standing water.
4. Insulate your pipes – Make sure your pipes have adequate insulation for the winter season. Over time, the insulation on the pipes may have worn away, exposing them to the elements. Inspect and replace any worn or missing insulation.
5. Crawl space covers are the key – Inspect the crawl space access for structural damage that could cause cold air to enter the crawl space and cause potential problems. Replace them if you need to, and if you don’t have one I suggest you buy one. For less than ten dollars, it will be one of the best investments in keeping your home and plumbing safe.

So, head into this winter knowing that your pipes are protected from the elements. By following the five secrets to keeping your plumbing safe, you’ll save thousands in repair bills and gain peace of mind.