Winter weather is coming, and whether we’ve already experienced the first freeze of the season or are still in anticipation, ensuring your home is ready will make all the difference. Keep reading to learn our top tips to prepare your home for cold weather:
5 Steps to Protect Your Plumbing from Freezing
Frozen pipes are prone to bursting and damaging your home and overall plumbing system. When it comes to winterizing your home, insulation is king.
Where to Insulate
Take stock of any areas in your home with exposed pipes — those are the most at-risk areas in your home. Using old newspapers or foam sleeves, wrap pipes in exposed areas to keep them insulated. You can also open cabinet doors (such as under sinks) to help heated air into closed-off spaces in your home.
Water Heater
Insulate outer areas of your home as well as larger appliances like your water heater. To insulate a water heater, simply grab an old blanket or towel and wrap it around the base of the tank. Then seal it shut to keep it in place.
Cracks and Gaps
Check through your home to discover if there are any spaces, gaps, or cracks where cold air can get into. Filling and fixing these will keep warm air inside your home and prevent pipes from freezing.
Other Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Insulation is your first line of defense, but it isn’t the only thing you can do.
- Keep the temperature set to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit at all times
- Before leaving town, open the faucets just enough to allow for a small amount of water to drip
- Remove all hoses and wrap outdoor faucets before the first freeze
- Open doors to rooms that don’t get as much heat
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When you need plumbing services in San Jose, Santa Clara, or any of the communities in the surrounding Bay Area, count on EJ Plumbing. With more than a decade of industry experience, our expertly-trained technicians can handle just about any plumbing problem you may have. From drain cleaning to water leaks, sewer line replacements, toilet repairs, and more, you can rely on us for all your residential plumbing needs. We even offer emergency services upon availability for serious issues that just can't wait. Our dependable team is always available to assist you.