If you live in an area that has cold winters and are leaving your home for an extended period of time, protect your plumbing while you are gone! Check out these simple instructions to ensure you survive the winter without a cold-related plumbing problem.
1. Fix leaks. If you have any leaks, make sure to have them repaired before the cold sets in.
2. Wrap pipes. If you have any pipes that are not insulated in your home, make sure to wrap them. This tip goes especially for mobile homes as their pipes are more easily exposed to the harsh winter conditions. The great news is, this fix is easy enough to do on your own with an easy-to-install kit that comes with a thermostat. This will aid in preventing your pipes from bursting when the temperatures drop.
If you’re traveling over the holidays or over a weekend, make sure you also follow these steps while you’re away from home.
1. Shut it off. Shut off your main water valve. If you’re not sure where to find your water valve, this is something you must learn. Depending on the age of your home and the type of basement (or no basement) that you have, your main water shut off could be in a few places. We can help you figure that out though—just give us a quick call!
2. Drain the water. Completely drain the system of water by opening the faucets at the highest and lowest points of the house.
3. Set the thermostat. Make sure that you have left some heat on in the house to keep your pipes from freezing. How much heat is enough? Try to set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
You want to be ready for the winter BEFORE the temperatures drop! Prevention is the best rule when it comes to plumbing and we are happy to help prepare your pipes for the winter. Get in touch with us if you have any winter preparation questions and if you do come across a plumbing problem that is beyond your experience, contact an expert plumber at Mr. Rooter Plumbing...we are here to help.
