WINTER FREEZE WARNING!

When freezing weather is expected to arrive, homeowners are urged to follow a few proven steps to prevent expensive pipe damage and plumbing repairs.

When cold air enters the perimeter around your residence, it causes piping to expand which often leads to leaks, breaks and other potentially costly repairs. Stopping this expansion and freezing is key to keeping your pipes operational.

We recommend a few preventative tips as the weather turns cold. These include:

• When a freeze is expected, slowly run one or two faucets to keep water moving through the lines.
• Outdoor hoses and their connection to water sources are particularly vulnerable to freezing weather. Goettl Master Plumber Gary Eisenhauer advises consumers to unscrew hoses from the outdoor facet to allow for drainage and keep outside hose bibs open to allow water to drain.
• All outside pipes and hose spigots should be insulated as best as possible. This is easy to do with the purchase of an installation kit from your local hardware store.
• Pipes running against exterior walls, like those in kitchens, are often subject to freezing and typically have little to no insulation. Keep cabinets under kitchen and bathrooms sinks open to allow for warm air flow to prevent freezing.
• Pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics and near garages are also susceptible to damage from cold. Take special care to insulate these areas.
• Heat tape is a great product to insulate water pipe. These “pipe sleeves” could be as simple as newspaper wrapped around pipes to help keep them warm and insulated.
• During cold spells, we recommend keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature during the night and day—this helps regulate temperatures and prevent unwanted expansion.