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Prevent Winter Water Disasters
There are several measures that can be taken to prevent winter water
disasters in your home. Below, we describe a few of the basics.
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Locate and
mark the main water cutoff valve for your home. This cutoff
valve is usually found near where the water line comes into your
house. Damage from running water can be minimized if you turn
off this valve quickly.
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Make sure
the water line to outside faucets is turned off and the lines
are drained.
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Consider
wrapping or insulating your water pipes, especially those pipes
near outside walls, under the house, or in the attic. Insulation
supplies are available at your local home improvement/hardware
store.
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Eliminate
drafts. Check around the home for areas where water supply lines
are located in unheated areas and take measures to prevent the
flow of cold air in these areas. Look in the basement, crawl
space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be
insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold
water supply line can freeze if water is not running through the
pipe and the water temperature becomes cold.
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If
your water pipes do freeze,
never
try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Contact Brenneco
Plumbing, your local licensed and insured plumber.
What do I do if my water meter freezes?
If you suspect you have a frozen water meter, call your local
water company for help.
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If your
heating system breaks down or is off for a I prolonged period of
time, take steps to protect yourself - and your home. Call a
qualified, licensed natural gas contractor for repair or
replacement. Make sure to protect your home's water pipes from
freezing, and consider staying with relatives or friends to
avoid exposure to cold while repairs are being made.
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Know the
warning signs of hypothermia, a condition I brought on by
prolonged exposure to cold - whether - inside or outside. The
body temperature becomes abnormally low - 95 degrees Fahrenheit
or less. Symptoms can include shivering; stiffness or numbness
in the arms or legs; cold, pale patches of pink-purple or
blue-gray skin; or mental changes such as confusion or the
inability to focus.
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Seek
medical attention immediately.
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Never use
your stovetop or oven for heating. Continuous burning could lead
to carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards.
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Change the
furnace filter at least once a month during the winter for
safety and energy efficiency.
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