Preparing for winter is about keeping the cold air out of your house or place of business and the warm air in. But there’s a little more to it than that. By sealing drafty areas, insulating pipes and making a few other changes, you’ll help prevent disasters! Investing your time – and sometimes your money now, can save you costly repair bills later.
Preparation Outside Your Home or Office
- If you haven’t already, be sure to turn off outside water spigots and drain the pipes now. Consider installing a freeze-proof fixture if you don’t have one already. Do it yourself or hire a plumber to do it for you.
- Repair any damage to exterior steps. Time will loosen mortar and cause cracking. Be sure all step railings are secure. And keep steps clear during ice and snow events.
- Inspect the exterior for leaks around doors and windows. Remove damaged caulk and replace it with new.
- Winterize outdoor water systems. If you have a swimming pool, hot tub, irrigation system, or other exterior water feature, winterize them according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
Preparation Inside Your Home or Office
- Insulate your attic, basement, and crawl space. Insulation in the attic is your protection against the formation of ice dams. And insulated basements and crawlspaces help keep pipes from freezing.
- Consider investing in a backup power source. Continuous power will not only help you stay warm, but it can also prevent frozen pipes.
- Check pipes for cracks, leaks, and loose fittings. A quick look will often reveal a leak or crack. Repair them immediately or call your plumber.
- Wrap exposed pipes. Use foam insulation or even fabric strips to protect your pipes from freezing.
- Check your insurance coverage. Consider adding sewer backup insurance. If raw sewage backs up in your home or office, it will be costly to repair. The added coverage will be worth it.
Limit Damage During Freezes
- Heat your home or office to a minimum of 65 degrees during the day. Since the temperature inside the walls is considerably lower, this will help make sure it stays at least above freezing.
- Make sure you know the location of the main water shutoff valve. Although you might have completed this task, make sure everyone knows where the main water shutoff valve is.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas. If you have an unheated basement or a shop sink in the garage, wrap those pipes with insulation tape.
- Open cabinet and vanity doors under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms. This should allow warm air to circulate and prevent freezing pipes.
- In extreme cold, open all hot and cold water faucets and let them drip slowly. Keeping water flowing slowly through the pipes can help prevent freezing.
- Keep your fireplace flue and garage doors closed when not in use. This will help to keep the temperature inside your home as warm as possible.
- Keep sidewalks and steps free of snow and ice. It’s easy to step outside and forget to check. Purchase ice melt for hard surfaces and keep it handy.
- During a heavy snow or ice storm, check trees for newly damaged branches and remove them before they fall. Even a healthy limb can buckle under the weight of ice buildup.
- If your pipes freeze, try to thaw them immediately or call a plumber for help. You can try a hair dryer, heat lamp, or heating pad for this process.
- If you experience a burst pipe, turn off the main shutoff valve first. Then clean up any standing water and call a plumber to repair the pipe.
These tips can help you be prepared and know how to handle threats to your home or office. And if you do experience a burst pipe or water problem, give us a call. We are available 24/7; 365 days a year!