As winter weather approaches, it’s crucial to ensure your tenants are well-prepared for freezing temperatures. When temperatures drop, water pipes in apartments are at risk of freezing and potentially bursting, which can lead to costly damage. By sharing these preventative measures with your tenants, you can help them take the right steps to protect their homes and prevent significant damage to the property.

Please consider distributing the following information to your tenants. By doing so, you’ll not only help them stay safe and warm during the cold weather but also save your property from unnecessary repair costs and disruption.

How to Prepare Your Apartment for Freezing Temperatures

With winter weather approaching, it’s important to take preventative measures to protect your apartment from freezing temperatures. A sudden freeze can lead to pipes freezing, bursting, and causing significant damage. Below are a few essential steps to help keep your apartment safe during these cold spells.

Freeze Warning Tips

When temperatures dip below 32°F, your water pipes can freeze, potentially bursting and causing costly damage. Follow these guidelines to ensure your apartment home stays protected:

  1. Let Your Faucets Drip

    Run both hot and cold water in a very fine stream from all of your apartment’s faucets—kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc. This trick helps prevent pipes from freezing by keeping the water moving.
  2. Open Your Cupboards
    Leave the cabinet doors under all sinks open so that the pipes are exposed to warm air from your apartment. This helps ensure that the pipes are not insulated by the surrounding cabinets. It’s also a good idea to leave bathroom and kitchen doors open to help the airflow.
  3. Heat Your Home

    If you’re leaving your apartment for the day or an extended period, make sure the heat is still on. Set it to the lowest setting (60-65°F is recommended). Don’t turn off your heat completely, as this can cause your pipes to freeze.
  4. Be Alert!

    Stay vigilant during freezing conditions. If you notice any unusual changes—such as no water coming from your faucets or water leaking anywhere—report it immediately to the leasing office and maintenance team. Early detection can help minimize damage.
  5. Know Your Emergency Contact
    Before the freeze hits, make sure you have the emergency contact number for your leasing office or maintenance team. If you don’t have it, please reach out to the leasing office now to confirm the contact information. Being prepared ensures a swift response in case of an emergency.
    We appreciate your cooperation, and hope you stay safe and warm during the cold weather!