Getting your house ready for winter includes checking your pipes and taking a few simple steps to prevent freezing. Frozen pipes are not just an inconvenience—they can burst, resulting in expensive structural damage.
• Drain sprinkler supply lines and swimming pools.
• Drain and remove outdoor hoses.
• Seal any cracks or holes in exterior walls, particularly if water pipes run nearby. Cover or close foundation vents for cold weather months.
• Pipes that run along exterior walls or in unheated crawl spaces and attics are most susceptible to freezing. Pipe sleeves, heat tape, or heat cables can be used to insulate these pipes. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions to install these materials properly, or have a professional plumber do the installation. Remember heat tape is of no use during a power outage. Heat tape should be a last resort.
• For any water lines in an outside wall, leave bathroom and kitchen cupboards open to allow air to circulate around the sink pipes. If you will be away from home for an extended time during winter months, take extra precautions to protect your pipes. Leave your thermostat set at a constant 55 degrees or higher. Higher heating bills are less expensive than burst pipes and costly water damage. You may also want to drain your water system. Shut off the main valve and open all of your faucets, both hot and cold lines. Leave the taps open until water stops running.When you return home, don’t forget to close the faucets before opening the main valve again.
What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze
If you turn on the tap and no water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Leave the tap open to prevent pressure build up. Warm the pipe slowly and gently, using an electric heating pad, a hair dryer, or a portable space heater. Never use an open flame, and never leave the room while pipes are being warmed. As the pipe thaws, water will drip from the faucet. Continue warming the pipe until full water pressure returns. If you have one frozen pipe, it is important to check all of the faucets in your home. Be particularly mindful of any pipes that run along exterior walls or in unheated spaces. If you cannot access the pipes, or you aren’t able to thaw the pipes yourself, contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible. If you need help insulating pipes or thawing pipes that have frozen, call a professional plumber. A qualified plumber can also help you assess which pipes might be in danger of freezing and suggest other ways to prevent frozen pipes.
NOTE: If you have a gas water heater, install a gas water heater timer. This will extend the life of your water heater and save money on operating costs. Go to www.gaswaterheatertimer.com