fbpx

2-10 Blog

Warm up to the idea of winterizing your plumbing systems

house energy efficiency concept

Water expands when it freezes, which can be a cause for concern for your plumbing system. When temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, even for a short period, you run the risk of a pipe fracture or worse. Here are a few precautions you can take in the month of November to save yourself later.

  • Close crawl space vents and stuff insulation
    over the openings.
  • If your bathroom pipes run along an exterior wall, try keeping the vanity door(s) open to allow heat inside.
  • Drain and store garden hoses.
  • Drain underground sprinkler systems.
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to let in heat.
  • Should a pipe freeze, never thaw it with an open flame. Use a hair dryer, heat lamp or space heater.


Recipe: 
Butternut ‘let your pipes freeze’ soup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 3/4 cup celery rib, chopped
  • 3/4 cup carrot, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tart green apple, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 3 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1 cup water
  • Pinches of nutmeg, cinnamon, cayenne,
    salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot on medium-high heat. Melt the butter in the pot and let it foam up, and then recede. Add the onion, carrot and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes. Lower the heat if the vegetables begin to brown.
  2. Add the butternut squash, apple, broth and water. Bring to boil.
  3. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes or until the squash and carrots have softened.
  4. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup or work in batches and purée the soup in a standing blender.
  5. Add pinches of nutmeg, cinnamon and cayenne. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.

Recipe courtesy of simplyrecipes.com