Be sure you know where your water cutoff is located.
It is important to be prepared for freezing temperatures, as frozen pipes can cause expensive and devastating damage. Make sure you have the following items on hand: pipe insulation materials, an adjustable wrench, a flexible hose clamp or two-part epoxy repair kit, a gas torch or heat gun, pliers, and other tools necessary for plumbing repairs. Additionally, ensure that all exposed water pipes are insulated with either foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass wrap to prevent against freezing. If the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (F), keep at least one faucet running continuously in your house; this will help reduce pressure in the system and reduce chances of bursting pipes.
If you have an emergency and cannot access the City shutoff valve, call your local plumber for assistance. In any case, it is always best to be prepared with knowledge of where your inside shutoff valve is located and how to turn it off in order to prevent costly a damage from occurring. Make sure you know the location of the City shutoff valve as well so that you can act quickly if necessary. Take proactive steps today to avoid potential plumbing issues!
Keep cold air out the best you can!
Understand the risks of cold weather and freeze protection to keep your home safe. As temperatures drop, keep an eye on your pipes and make sure to take preventative steps such as keeping all doors and windows tightly closed, making repairs to damaged windows and walls, sealing leaks in crawl spaces and basements, winterizing unheated spaces, closing garage doors for the duration of the freeze — or even shutting off water at the source if severe cold is forecast. Doing so can help you avoid frozen pipes and costly repairs. With a little bit of preparation today, you’ll be able to enjoy a warm home all winter long.
Don’t forget exposed pipes, water heaters, and outside faucets.
Remember to also insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Taking these steps will ensure that you are well-prepared for cold weather and freeze protection all winter long.
Be Proactive!
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so don’t wait until it’s too late to take action. Putting in the effort now to protect your exposed pipes, water heater, and other home elements can save you time, energy, and money this winter!
Your family deserves the best protection possible; make sure your home is prepared!
For additional information on winterizing your home, consult an experienced technician or a local contractor who can guide you in the right direction. With the right preparation, your family and home will be prepared for what Old Man Winter throws your way this season.
Have a plan if you will be leaving town.
Prepare your home before leaving town. If you plan to be away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at the meter and set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher.
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