“One of the best things people can do right now, is inspect their homes. Look for any areas where your water lines could be exposed to cold air; crawl spaces, attics and outside walls are most vulnerable. Insulate the cavity that cold air is most likely to penetrate and then insulate the water lines with pipe insulation,” said Glen Miller of Miller & Sons Plumbing in Miamisburg. “Another way is to install a heat source in the cold area such as an electric heater or heat duct.”
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service experts advise these steps in protecting your pipes and plumbing before cold weather hits:
Outside water hoses should be disconnected.
Make any necessary repairs on dripping or leaking outside faucets.
Water pressure will build in frozen pipes creating cracks that can unload 250 gallons of water a day.
If you have interior shut-off valves that go to outside faucets, close them and drain the water from the pipes.
An economical faucet insulation kit can be applied to outside faucets.
Pipes should be insulated in unheated areas. Exposed pipes will benefit from heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables.
To keep your water heater energy-efficient, remove corrosion-causing sediment from the tank.
The thermostat on your water heater should be programmed at 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
Clean out your gutters and downspouts.
The sump pit should be inspected and cleaned out.
To prevent freezing pipes, keep your furnace set no lower than 55 degrees during the winter months.
Vacant properties need some attention, too.
“We do a lot of winterizations this time of year. This is a good idea for vacant properties. The process includes shutting off the main water supply, draining or blowing out the water lines, draining the water heater and pouring rv (pink) antifreeze in all the fixtures,” Miller said.
Now that your pipes are ready, check your heating system.
According to Sam’s blog, “Getting Your Home Ready For Winter,” from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, (www.serviceexperts.com, branch location in Dayton), using common sense will help get your heating system ready when you need it:
If there is a burning smell the first time you turn on your heat, check for fire or smoke. If either appears, turn the heat off, call 911 and vacate the premises. If no fire exists and the burning smell doesn’t go away, the system needs a tune-up.
Another sign of a tune-up is more than normal noise and airflow.
Check that there isn’t any vibration in the walls and ducts.
Pay attention to the readings of your carbon monoxide detector. If the alarm sounds or is above 30, turn off the system and call an expert. Air out the house by opening windows and do not switch the heat on again until it has been checked by a heating technician. Until the reading drops, it would be advisable to leave the house.
To ensure no energy is wasted, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning recommends checking for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, brick work, stucco, siding, the foundation, gas and electric lines and plumbing. Use caulk, weather stripping and foam to seal any cracks. Inside air leaks around doors, windows and switch plates can be sealed with temporary caulking. To prevent any heat escaping, add insulation to your crawl space and attic.
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