At Mark Johnson & Sons Plumbing, we’ve put together a list of winter tips and tricks to help you avoid frozen pipes, water heater issues, and other common issues during a polar vortex.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Wrap pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, or garages to prevent freezing. Foam pipe insulation is affordable and easy to install!
2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Drain and store your garden hoses to prevent water from freezing and damaging your outdoor faucets. Install insulation caps over your outside faucets.
3. Keep Water Flowing
On extremely cold nights, let hot and cold faucets drip slightly to keep water moving and reduce the risk of freezing.
4. Check Your Water Heater
Give your water heater a quick tune-up to ensure it’s ready for the extra work during winter.
5. Locate Your Shut-Off Valve
Know where your main water shut-off valve is in case of a burst pipe or emergency. When ice accumulation is expected, cover these so they are ready for quick access if needed in an emergency.
6. Open Cabinet Doors
Where plumbing is on an exterior wall or even an attic wall, open those cabinet doors to allow warm air to the plumbing on nights with extreme low temperatures.
Need Professional Help?
If you’d like assistance preparing your home for winter, Mark Johnson is here to help! Whether it’s insulating pipes, winterizing your sprinkler system, or checking your water heater, our expert team has you covered.
Call us at 318-319-0220 or visit markjohnsonplumbing.com
