Is my house safe at 27 temperature?

[Michael Stole]

The lowest temperature in indianapolis is 27 these days, and I forgot to shut off the water in my house. I won't be back until this Friday. I am wondering whether my house is in danger now. Thanks.

[Adam Johnson]

I don't ever recommend leaving water trickling as a means to protect against freezing. That water freezes in the drains over time, splitting drain pipes and you now have a steady flow of water going everywhere guaranteed. One of the things my company does is winterize vacant homes. The amount of damage done from a frozen/burst pipe can be devastating. I have gone into houses with ice 2 feet thick in the living space and icicles coming out of the walls and down the outside of the house. Keeping the heat set at the lowest setting (45-50 degrees) AND shutting off the main valve are always a good idea if it will be closed up for a while.

I am embarrassed to share that in spite of my experience with this problem, I dragged my feet winterizing my camper this year and blew apart the water filter housing after only a couple of cold days. It was parked in the shade and out of the wind. Luckily it only blew off the cover and didn't damage anything else (and wasn't connected to a water source!)

I would definitely get somebody there to turn the heat on. Keep it on low, if possible. If not, then get somebody there that knows how to properly winterize the property (with an air compressor, not an air tank) and RV antifreeze in all traps and toilets after getting the water out of them.