How to Avoid Frozen Pipes During Winter: Tenant Edition

Matt Profaizer • February 4, 2025

Tenant Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Winter’s subzero temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage. As a tenant, there are simple steps you can take to prevent this chilly disaster and protect your home.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem

When water inside pipes freezes, it expands, increasing pressure and potentially causing the pipe to crack or burst. This can lead to flooding, water damage, and expensive repairs—all of which could be avoided with a little preparation.

Tenant Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

  1. Keep the Heat On: Maintain your thermostat at no lower than 55°F, even when you're away. Consistent heat helps prevent freezing in pipes near exterior walls.
  2. Open Cabinet Doors: Leave cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing in kitchens and bathrooms.
  3. Let Faucets Drip: During extreme cold, let water trickle from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes. This keeps water moving, reducing the risk of freezing.
  4. Seal Drafts: Close gaps around windows, doors, and plumbing openings with weather stripping or caulk to prevent cold air from reaching pipes.
  5. Disconnect Hoses: Detach outdoor garden hoses and shut off water to exterior spigots. This prevents water in the hose and spigot from freezing and expanding into the connected pipes.
  6. Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation or foam covers on exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces.
  7. Know the Shut-Off Valve: Familiarize yourself with the main water shut-off valve. In case of a burst pipe, you’ll need to act quickly to minimize damage.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

  • Keep Faucets Open: If a pipe freezes, leave the faucet on to release pressure as ice melts.
  • Apply Heat: Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels to thaw the pipe. Never use an open flame or torch, as this is a fire hazard.
  • Notify Your Landlord: If you suspect a frozen pipe, contact your property manager immediately for further assistance.

Why It Matters

Preventing frozen pipes not only saves you the hassle of dealing with repairs but can also protect you from being held responsible for damages caused by neglect. Some leases may include clauses holding tenants liable for preventable issues like frozen pipes, so taking these precautions is in your best interest.

A Warm Reminder

Your landlord or property manager wants to help you maintain a safe and comfortable home. If you have any concerns about the condition of your pipes or need supplies like pipe insulation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can keep your home safe and cozy all winter long!

By Matt Profaizer April 28, 2025
Protect Your Comfort, Your Home, and Your Security Deposit
By Matt Profaizer April 18, 2025
Simple Tips to Maintain a Healthy and Tidy Outdoor Space
By Matt Profaizer April 8, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new post
By Matt Profaizer March 26, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new post
By Matt Profaizer March 11, 2025
Temporary Upgrades That Won’t Violate Your Lease
By Matt Profaizer February 25, 2025
Keeping your home clean and pest-free is essential
By Matt Profaizer February 14, 2025
What Tenants Need to Know
By Matt Profaizer January 27, 2025
Why D-Con Bait Stations Are a Tenant’s Best Friend
By Matt Profaizer June 10, 2024
Ensuring Reliable Renters
By Matt Profaizer June 3, 2024
In the fast-paced world of real estate, staying ahead of the curve is essential. One of the most significant technological advancements transforming the rental market today is the use of 360° virtual tours. At BMP Property Management, we have embraced this innovative tool to enhance our property listings, making it easier for prospective tenants to explore and choose their next home. The Rise of 360° Virtual Tours Traditional property viewings can be time-consuming and logistically challenging, especially for out-of-town prospects. 360° virtual tours offer a solution by allowing potential tenants to explore properties from the comfort of their own homes. This technology provides an immersive, interactive experience that gives a realistic sense of space and layout, far beyond what static photos can offer. Benefits for Prospective Tenants Convenience Virtual tours provide unmatched convenience. Prospective tenants can view multiple properties in a short amount of time without leaving their current location. This is particularly beneficial for those relocating from different cities or states, saving them the time and expense of traveling for viewings. Comprehensive Viewing Experience Unlike traditional photos, 360° virtual tours allow viewers to navigate through each room, zoom in on details, and get a true feel for the space. This comprehensive viewing experience helps potential tenants make informed decisions, reducing the likelihood of surprises or disappointments upon physical inspection. Increased Accessibility For individuals with mobility issues or those with busy schedules, virtual tours provide an accessible way to explore properties. They can take their time viewing the space, revisit specific areas, and even share the tour with family or friends for a second opinion. Advantages for Property Owners Wider Reach By offering 360° virtual tours, property owners can attract a broader audience, including out-of-town renters who might not have considered the property otherwise. This increased reach can lead to faster occupancy and reduced vacancy periods. Enhanced Marketing Appeal Properties with virtual tours stand out in a crowded market. Listings featuring 360° tours are more engaging and can attract more attention, leading to higher interest and quicker rental turnovers. This technological edge can make a significant difference in competitive markets. Efficient Use of Time Virtual tours help filter out less interested prospects, ensuring that the physical viewings are conducted with genuinely interested tenants. This efficiency saves time for both property managers and prospective tenants, streamlining the leasing process. Our Commitment to Innovation At BMP Property Management, we understand the importance of staying at the forefront of industry trends. By integrating 360° virtual tours into our property listings, we enhance the rental experience for both tenants and property owners. This technology not only makes it easier for prospective tenants to find their ideal home but also helps property owners market their properties more effectively. Conclusion 360° virtual tours are revolutionizing the rental market by providing a convenient, immersive, and comprehensive way to view properties. This technology benefits prospective tenants by offering flexibility and detailed insights, while property owners enjoy a broader reach and more efficient marketing. At BMP Property Management, we are proud to leverage 360° virtual tours to enhance our listings and deliver exceptional service to our clients. If you're looking to rent a property or list one with cutting-edge technology, BMP Property Management is here to help. Experience the future of property viewing with us and find your perfect home today. 
More Posts