To avoid a winter freeze from draining your wallet and causing chaos, heed these money-saving and disaster-preventing tips. (These Are Among The Most Frequent Issues Our Customers Call Us About In Freezing Weather.)
Be Prepared For The First Freeze Of 2024 by following this tips.
Hosebibs- do NOT turn them on. Make sure nothing is connected to them including a pool filler. And please cover them! 
Tankless water heaters– If your home has a tankless unit, do NOT turn off the power or water to it. Make sure it is insulated well.
Cabinets – Keep Cabinets open under any faucet.
Faucets – Leave faucets dripping water, especially faucets located on an exterior wall.
Vacant Homes – If a home is vacant, ensure the heater remains on, keep cabinetry open, keep a steady stream of water at faucets.
Water Softeners – We recommend putting a heat lamp next to it. In the event of it freezing, leave it on and wait for it to defrost or bypass the unit.
Whole home exterior water filter– Ensure it is well insulated under the cover.
Frozen pipes– If your pipes become frozen unfortunately all you can do is wait for them to defrost. Check on them periodically to ensure there hasn’t been a break.
Here are more seasonal tips and thoughts below! Remember! If you have an ACTIVE plumbing leak, give Crown Plumbing a call ASAP!
1. Keep the House Insulated: A well-insulated house helps to keep the cold air outside and the warm air inside. Make sure all the windows, doors, attics, basements are properly insulated. Use weather-stripping or door draft stoppers to seal any leaks.
2. Keep Your Pipes Warm: Frozen pipes can burst and cause water damage. Wrap any pipes on the outside walls with insulation. It’s also advisable to allow your faucets to drip slightly to prevent freezing.
3. Keep Heating Systems Running: Even if you’re not at home, make sure to keep your heating systems on at a lower temperature. This will prevent the inside temperature of the house from dropping below freezing point.
4. Service your HVAC System: Before the freezing weather sets in, make sure to get your HVAC system serviced. A well-functioning HVAC system will ensure that your house remains warm and comfortable.
5. Keep Your Roof Clear: After a heavy snowfall, clear your roof to prevent it from collapsing due to the heavy weight of the snow.
6. Inspect your Fireplace: If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and ready for use. Regular inspections and cleaning will ensure it’s functioning properly when you need it most.
7. Set up Emergency Supplies: It’s good to have emergency supplies on hand in case of a power outage. This includes a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, and warm clothing.
8. Install and Test Smoke Detectors: During winter, the use of fireplaces and heaters increases, raising the risk of house fires. Make sure you have functional smoke detectors installed.
9. Prepare an evacuation plan: Prepare a safe evacuation plan and make sure all family members know about it. In case of any emergencies such as gas leaks or fires, a prepared evacuation plan could be a lifesaver.
10. Trim Trees: Ice and snow can weigh heavily on tree limbs, causing them to break and potentially damage your home. Be proactive and trim tree limbs near your home before bad weather hits.
By taking a few precautionary steps before the freezing weather hits, homeowners can prevent damage and stay comfortable.
