Here is a list of five things Village Residents should consider:

1.     Outdoor Water Hoses, Faucets, and Interior Shut-Off: Water inside outdoor faucets can freeze and expand if they are left connected during colder temperatures. This expansion can cause connected faucets and pipes to freeze and break. To help prevent this, disconnect your water hoses, drain them of any remaining water, and store the hoses in a dry area. After removing the hose, check the faucet for any leaks or drips that may need to be fixed. A leaking tap can lead to water damage and severe plumbing issues during a freeze. Once your outdoor faucets are entirely fixed, cover and insulate the faucets to avoid future problems. You may also have an interior shut-off valve in your home that is connected to outside faucets and plumbing. To prevent freezing, shut off the interior valve and open the outdoor faucet valve to ensure no remaining water in the line could freeze.

2.     Insulate Pipes: If any of your pipes are housed in non-heated areas, such as a basement or a garage, it is crucial to ensure they are insulated. This protection will help keep your pipes from freezing during the winter.

3.     Boilers: Boilers are like the motor of your home. They protect your family from the winter elements and keep everything within your house at a temperature to function correctly. But like anything, boilers can fail at the most inopportune moments due to faulty parts, pumps, or electrical components. Like your vehicle, boilers should be serviced annually to ensure they are working at optimum efficiency and adequately heating your home.

4.     Water Heaters: As the weather turns colder, your water heater needs to work harder than usual. This is also the time of year when we want more hot water in our sinks, tubs, and showers to stay warm. With this increased activity, underlying issues can emerge. Faulty parts, sediment buildup, or a bad winter storm can wreak havoc on your home’s water heater. This causes your water heater to utilize more energy and lose efficiency over time. Your home’s water heater should be flushed out regularly to avoid buildup and prevent damage.

5.     Sump Pumps: A sump pump is only activated when needed and is meant to pump water out of and away from your home to avoid flooding. It is often not apparent that your sump pump isn’t working correctly until too late. If your sump pump is exposed to extreme temperatures, it may freeze and be unable to operate. Your sump pump should be inspected regularly to ensure it works properly when it’s needed most.