Harsh weather and cold temperatures can lead to bursting pipes and water damage which can be a costly repair. There are things we can do to avoid this.
- Houses in colder climates might benefit from the use of approved plastic plumbing instead of steel or copper.
- Shut off the water supply for exterior pipes and make sure they drained.
- Sprinkler systems should also be turned off and compressed air can be used to purge the pipes and dry them out. Insulate all exposed pipes in cold areas in their entirety.
Make sure your heating works BEFORE you need it. Here are some quick checks to maintaining an active unit.
- Replace the air filter if it’s dirty.
- Raise the temperature on the thermostat to test the furnace. If should respond quickly, if not it might be broken.
- The tank should be full if the furnace is equipped with an oil or propane tank.
Clean roofs and gutters will ensure that things don’t freeze up and lead to damage
- Make sure gutters are clean and free of debris. Frozen debris left in gutters allows for the formation of ice dams that prevent water from draining. Trapped water in the gutter can enter the house and lead to the growth of mold.
- Replace any missing shingles.