Several mornings of frost during the past week remind me it is time to WINTERIZE. While I always appreciate ways to increase my bottom line, I don’t like to do it at the homeowner’s expense especially when there are a few simple things you can do to avoid having to call me to come out and repair damage caused by freezing weather.

To WINTERIZE - first I disconnect all hoses, drain them and place them in storage. Frost free hose faucets MUST have hoses removed to drain properly. The exception is the Woodford Model 19 - it has a pressure relief device that protects it even if hoses are left attached. Hose faucets should be covered. Covers are available at most hardware stores. Many hose faucets on garage walls and on some older homes are not frost free. They usually have shut-off valves in a heated wall. In many newer homes these valves are near the water heater in the garage. Shut the valve and open the hose faucet. If the valve has a drain, open it also. After the faucet is drained, cover it.

Insulation blocks, also available at hardware stores should be placed in foundation vents to protect the plumbing under your home. I have repaired many broken pipes that could have been prevented by simply covering the foundation vents. Remember to remove the insulation blocks once the risk of extreme cold is gone in order to keep good air flow in your crawl space. Too much moisture building up in there can cause mold and rot.

Doing these simple steps ahead of time, will ensure you will sleep easier during cold weather.

Bringing clean water to America… Rick the Plumber