The days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting longer. Temperatures are dropping; in no time at all, snow will coat the ground, and winter will be upon us. You take care to clean the gutters and stock up on firewood, but it’s important — crucial, even — that you don’t forget about your pipes.
Damage that results from burst pipes could leave you with a hefty repair bill, and one that your homeowner’s insurance may or may not cover. My Plumber wants to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Bear in mind these seven steps to ensure your plumbing is prepared for the winter weather ahead.
1. Ensure that all family members know how to turn the water OFF.
It’s important that everyone who lives in your home — men, women, boys, girls — knows the location of the main water shut off valve, and exactly how to turn the water OFF. This valve is typically located near your furnace. As water rushes from burst pipes, the situation (as well as what it will cost to repair the damage) will escalate quickly. The faster someone, anyone, shuts off the water, the better of your home, and your wallet will be.
2. Tend to any outdoor water supply.
Outdoor water hoses should be removed from spigots and drained completely. Do this, and store them in a safe place inside before the first freeze. The spigots themselves should be covered.
3. Exposed pipes? Wrap them.
If you live in a mobile home, pay careful attention. When cold weather strikes, pipes that aren’t insulated bear a higher risk of bursting. Lowe’s, Home Depot, and your local hardware store all carry heat tape and pipe insulation; you might also consider a kit equipped with a thermostat to help in the event of extended cold temperatures. Brrr!
4. Find, and fix any leaks now.
Do a visual inspection of your own, and then call My Plumber! Have any leaks repaired now. You don’t want to end up having to repair burst pipes later.
5. Tune up your water heater.
You might detect a trend: Call us! Your water heater should be tuned up around this time of year, every year. This isn’t something that’s easy to do, so contact the licensed plumbing experts at My Plumber; we’d be happy to help.
6. Service your furnace.
The best way to ensure your pipes don’t freeze is to ensure you have proper heat all winter long. Clean filters and a working furnace will get you through.
7. Call My Plumber!
Call My Plumber! If you any questions, or if, by some unlucky chance, you end up with frozen or burst pipes, contact us!
