Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes in your home. Mac Plumbing has some tips to get your house prepared for winter
Protect your pipes from freezing
- Wrap your un-insulated pipes in a blanket of foam.
- Cut the foam tubes to the length of exposed pipes.
- Cut a slit in the foam tube to wrap around the pipe.
- Use duct tape to secure the ends of the tube.
Fix plumbing leaks now!
- Check all faucets in your kitchen, bathrooms, and utility rooms for drips and puddles.
- If you have a leak, contact Mac Plumbing immediately to get your pipes back in tip-top shape.
Drain your water heater
- It is recommended you drain your water heater tank annually to remove any sediment that may have built up.
- If you have hard water, check your tank. Rust developing in your tank can make its way to your drinking water and shower.
- If your hot water heater is already rusted, consider purchasing a new one before freezing temperatures set in.
Outdoor hose
- Disconnect and store away your garden hose and sprinklers.
- Leaving your hose outside in winter can cause water left inside to freeze and expand, freezing your faucet and pipes.
Close and drain shut-off valves leading outside
- If you have interior shut-off valves leading to outdoor faucets, close them and drain the water from outside lines.
Unfreezing water lines inside your home
- There are a few things you can do if you find a frozen faucet.
- Use a hairdryer or heat gun to warm the frozen pipe.
- NEVER USE A TORCH OR AN OPEN FLAME!
- Turn faucets off to prevent flooding when pipes thaw.
- Check faucets periodically to see if they’re free-flowing.
- If you’re unsure about doing this, or if the pipes are frozen outside the home, contact us today.
Call Mac Plumbing for all of your plumbing needs.
Be prepared with a check-up from Mac and if you do find yourself with plumbing problems, be sure to contact Mac Plumbing here or call us at (931) 552-5555.