WINTER-PROOF YOUR PIPES How to Protect Your Pipes and Avoid Costly Repairs
As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes becomes a concern for every homeowner. When water freezes in your pipes, it expands, creating pressure that can cause pipes to burst and lead to water damage and costly repairs. Fortunately, you can take several preventive measures to protect your plumbing (and all your possessions!) during the iciest season. Insulate your pipes. Insulating pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent them from freezing. Use pipe insulation sleeves or wrapping material, especially in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Insulation helps retain the heat within the pipes, reducing the likelihood of freezing. Seal gaps and cracks. Identify and seal any gaps or cracks in your home's walls, floors, or foundation. Cold air drafts can contribute to freezing pipes, so ensuring your home is properly sealed will help maintain a warmer climate for your plumbing. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. If you know temperatures will drop below freezing, disconnect and drain water from outdoor hoses. If hoses are left connected, water can freeze and expand back into the pipe, potentially
causing it to burst. You should store hoses in a sheltered location to prevent any damage. Let faucets drip. On extremely cold nights, allowing faucets to drip can relieve pressure within the pipes. Running water, even at a trickle, can help prevent freezing. Focus on faucets connected to pipes along exterior walls or in colder areas of your home. Install a programmable thermostat. Investing in a programmable thermostat allows you to regulate the temperature in your home, even when you're away. Set the thermostat to maintain a minimum temperature, typically above freezing, to protect pipes during colder periods. Many people habitually turn down their heat at night or during the day when out of the house. But when the temperature sinks into the 20s and below, you should not turn the heat down. You might think you’re saving money by turning down the heat, but it will end up costing you more if your pipes freeze. Taking proactive steps to prevent frozen pipes can save you from the inconvenience and expense of dealing with burst pipes. You can safeguard your plumbing and enjoy a worry-free winter by insulating, sealing, and maintaining a consistent temperature.
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SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP
Inspired by TheSpruceEats.com
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, pepper, and garlic. Reduce the heat to low and sauté until the onions are softened, about 3 minutes. 3. Add the spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir to combine. 4. Fold in the cheddar and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, season with more salt and pepper to taste, and heat until warmed through. 5. Transfer to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and bake for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. 6. Serve with chips, baguette slices, or crudité.
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • • • • • • • •
1 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 10-oz pkg frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 12-oz jar marinated artichoke hearts
8 oz cream cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Last issue's winner is Virginia K. of Poughkeepsie. Congratulations, Virginia!
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