Every year, frozen pipes and the water damage they cause cost homeowners dearly. In fact, winter-related issues like these are, collectively, the third leading reason for insurance claims. Right now, you may be more concerned about your air conditioning coils freezing up than your pipes succumbing to the weather, but this is the time to begin preparing. If you take all the steps you can to winterize your home while the weather is warm, you won’t be left doing all this out in the cold.
Experts insist the first, and possibly most important, step in winterizing your home is insulating any pipes in unheated areas, like outside your home or in crawlspaces. Here in Colorado, winter temperatures are known to dip into the 20s and even teens. This means you’ll need a more robust insulation than, say, someone in the deep South. Your pipes come in different diameters, and insulation tubes are made to accommodate those varying sizes. Though they’re available at your local hardware or home improvement store, enlisting professional plumbing services in Fort Collins CO takes the guesswork out of the process.
Your crawlspace could also be a portal for sub-freezing temperatures to reach your pipes, so its entryways may need a little extra attention. Consider placing weather stripping around those entrances to help block the cold, and have professional Plumbing Services Fort Collins CO suggest additional small-scale repairs. If you don’t already have pieces of cardboard or Styrofoam cut to fit outside vents, you can go ahead and get those ready to put into place.
Gaps and cracks in your home’s foundation and outer walls may also be a problem. Plumbing services in Fort Collins CO cover this issue, as well. Have a plumbing technician inspect the exterior of your home to determine any problem areas. He or she can also either recommend products for sealing these crevices or finish the process for you.
Now may seem a bit early to be thinking about winterization, but authorities recommend having all your measures in place by November. It’s approaching fast. Whether you’re getting started on protecting your pipes or your air conditioner coils actually have frozen up, contact Paul’s Plumbing & Heating for help.
