5 Tips on How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

I woke up to frozen pipes this morning in my kitchen. Luckily , the sun came up and it worked it self out on its own. The winter season can be long and dreary enough. The last thing you need is the stress and expense of hiring a plumber to deal with frozen pipes.

Before the cold strikes, it is best to get your pipes ready for winter. Here are five easy tips on how to prevent frozen pipes:

1. Insulate Pipes

One of the most basic things that can be done to prevent your pipes from freezing is to put some insulation on them even before the cold season comes. You can use either of these two methods to insulate your pipes:
Heat Tape. Using heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables on your pipes is one of the most effective ways to protect your pipes from the freezing cold. Heat tape actually resembles an extension cord more than a tape. Wind the tape in a spiral pattern around the pipes, closely observing the manufacturer's installation and operating instructions. Some heat tapes are best used with additional insulation.
Fiberglass or Foam Jackets. Insulation by itself is also a good way of keeping your pipes from freezing. You may use fiberglass insulation or polyethylene foam jackets. Keep in mind that the more insulation used, the better protection your pipes will have.

2. Use a Heat Lamp

Heat from a light bulb can also help prevent frozen pipes. A 100-watt bulb should be able to do the job. Attach the bulb to an extension cord and hang it by your pipes. This is especially effective if most of your pipes are located in one enclosed area.

3. Prevent Cold Winter Drafts

Seal all openings in your crawl spaces and windows to keep the frigid air out and the heat in. Air leaks may also be found around electrical wiring or dryer vents. Any cracks in the house's foundations should be caulked as well.

4. Allow Heat to Circulate

When winter does come, it is important to create heat circulation. You can easily do this by keeping closet doors open to allow the heat to get to pipes located under the sinks or on the other side of the walls.

5. Keep the Faucets Dripping

Sometimes, a steady small trickle of water is all it takes to prevent frozen pipes. The continuous movement of water can keep them from freezing. Let the water drip continuously throughout the night preferably from a faucet connected to a wall outside.

With these tips on how to prevent frozen pipes, you won't have to worry about an expensive plumbing emergency due to a burst pipe ever again.

Sewing To Save Money

Yes, I am already sewing for spring and summer! I have cabin fever and tons of fabric. I am starting with some tshirts for my Little Man. I have enough fabric to make him , maybe, 10 in different patterns. He is going to need all new shorts also. He has gotten so tall. With what I spent on " fabric " and the patterns, I would have him all new clothes for spring and most of summer for about $10.00! That is a great savings!

I get all of my fabric from thrift stores. Repurpose sheets etc. I love those " tshirt" fabric sheets! I can make so much out of those. $1.50 a sheet! Vintage sheets with the cool prints make great skirts.

I get most of my patterns from thrift stores. You can find some great ones. Usually about 50 cents a piece or box lots for a couple of dollars.

I taught myself how to sew on a singer sewing machine that I got at a flea market for $25.00. I still am using it. Ten years later.

Sewing can be a real way to save money.

Food Storage Recipe - Homemade Taquitos (easy)

So easy!

I couldn't wrap them up very tight though.

Precooked grilled chicken strips - I always keep a big bag of them in freezer for quick meals.

Taco seasoning

4 ounces of cream cheese

Shredded colby jack cheese

1 can black beans - you won't use whole can.

Tortillas - I used wheat ones this time

Slowly soften the cream cheese. Heat up the black beans.

Put some of the frozen chicken in pan. Let cook and then shred it up. Add some water and taco seasoning. Let cook for a few minutes, until it thickens.

Take a tortilla and put some of the cream cheese on it. Put the chicken and black beans and top with cheese.

Roll them up as tight as you can. I was able to make 7 with mine. Place them on a lightly greased pan and put some vegetable oil on top of them , tiny bit. Put in oven at 375 degrees and bake til golden brown.

Serve with salsa to dip them into.

Homeschool Minute - Make Hand Cast

We are starting to get cabin feaver! Super cold weather has us stuck in the house. I mixed up some of this simple dough for my Little Man to make a cast of his hand for daddy!

Recipe:

12 tablespoons of flour

9 tablespoons of salt

9 tablespoons of water

Let kids mix it up than put on a cookie sheet. They use a rolling pin to roll it out. Press their hands into it to make a good handprint. Use something to make name and date. Stick in oven at 200 degrees for about 4 hours. Bring out and let cool. They can decorate them anyway they want.

Dough is not edible.

Get Your Teeth Fixed Before SHTF!

I have been dealing with a broken tooth for years and broke a second tooth a while back on some easter candy. Horrible pain. Had no insurance until last summer for some reason we had dental so I went in and couldn't have any dental work done because of my heart murmur and Mitral Valve Prolapse. Without any health insurance no doctor in our small town would even think of seeing me until I paid for it all , test, etc up front. Couldn't be done. I suffered for months with toothaches that no amount of oragel or tylenol would help. I was at my wits end. Nothing was getting done at home because I could barely get off the couch. No sleep! No food. FINALLY first of the year , my hubby gets health insurance. I was into a doctor the day after I got the card and The past Monday I had the 2 teeth pulled. I feel so much better. I was so full of infection that I was so sick from it. Now I am actually up and moving. Been up since 5 am doing much needed housework.

 Make sure that you take care of your teeth. The pain can lay you out for a while. Don't put it off! What if there was a disaster or something that kept you from being able to get to a dentist. Don't take any chances - get the work done ASAP and if you can't get to the dentist make sure you have some good books on hand , like Where There Is No Dentist! I seriously thought that I was going to die. That is how much pain I was in. The no sleep was getting to me. My hubby said my eyes looked wild! Yeah pain will do that to you.