THE COASTLAND TIMES PRESENTS
Fall Home Improvement
Home winterizing check list By Philip S. Ruckle Jr. philip.ruckle@thecoastlandtimes.com
Freezing pipes are probably among the first things many homeowners might think of related to cold weather nightmares. However, with a little proactive planning most of us can avoid burst pipes and a number of other common cold weather plumbing problems. Freezing temperatures with exposed water pipes does create a rupture potential that is both a wet and expensive disaster. According to a State Farm Insurance report, the average homeowner’s expense for a pipe rupture runs about $15,000. One of the first steps in safeguarding those pipes against freezing is to know the location of your home’s main water valve and any other water valves within the home. Then, before the thermometer starts to drop, simply turn off all water valves to outside or other exposed pipes. Check all un-insulated areas of the home for pipes in such areas as those running along the home’s outer walls. Those pipes should be wrapped with foam or towels since they are likely to freeze. In cases of extreme cold, or if you cannot insulate any pipes, let one or more faucets drip slowly in order to allow some water flow. Preventing frozen pipes can be as simple as a little planning and installing foam insulation. Foam sheath insulating are sold at most hardware stores in various sizes and are easy to install. Make sure the entire length of pipe from the point where your home’s main water line emerges from the ground to the point where it enters the heated space of your home is insulated. In case there is a major
incident, such as when a pipe has burst, immediately shut off any water f low to that area. If there is not a separate valve then shut the main valve for all the water in the home. The main valve is usually located next to the water meter and should be kept in good condition. Opening and closing the all valves once a year keep them in good working order. It is, of course, best prevent a pipe rupture. Another step in our winter maintenance place is to make sure the home’s temperature thermostat is set no lower than 42° to 45° F, a setting that offers maximum heating savings while protecting against frozen pipes. It may be tempting to use a lower heat setting to save energy, but turning the dial too low increases the risk of frozen and ruptured pipes. Then, if a rupture does occur and goes unnoticed for days, weeks, or even months the cost of repairs from such an event will be much greater than any energy savings. Don’t overlook the water heater. This is the perfect time to make sure such an important appliance it is running optimally. Male sure the dial is not set above 125 degrees F° to reduce energy waste and avoid scalding water. It might be best to have a professional plumber check the tank’s sacrificial anode rod and make any repairs or replacements necessar y due to wear or corrosion. How you dispose of meal leftovers and table scraps can have a significant impact your plumbing system. Fats and oils will congeal and clog pipes so they should never be poured down a drain. Allow greases to congeal then discard it into the trash. Garbage disposals work best if turned on first and then food debris added.
After the disposal has done its work turn it off and let plenty of water f low down the drain to clear the system. Hiring a professional to take care of these items may cost some money, but weigh the cost of a professional against the repairs necessary if you don’t get it right. The people at Action Plumbing in Kill Devil Hills know how to prepare your plumbing system to prevent freezing pipes and other common cold weather plumbing problems. They wait until winter arrives and generally start performing winterization services around Labor Day. According to an annual winterization letter that they send out, all pipes can freeze, with copper pipes notoriously the worst because they are not flexible enough to handle the expansion and they swell up and burst. Once they thaw out, you may be left with more than just leaks, leaving you with springtime bills to repair water damage and replace broken pipes. The winterizing service is a relatively smooth process to perform, and the results could save thousands of dollars in wasted water or costly repairs.
Fall Home & Garden
WINTERIZING YOUR HOME CHECK LIST:
– Disconnect all water supply tubes and pipes. – Drain toilets and other drains. – Inspect and store any exterior hoses – Turn off main circuit breaker (unless needed for heat). – Turn off and drain spigots and faucets. – Turn off any electrical circuits not needed. – Turn off outdoor showers. – Turn off plumbing fixtures. – Turn off the water heater.
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