Here Are Some Helpful Tips From AquaTech Plumbing For Winterizing Your Pipes

Prevent your pipes from freezing this winter: 

• Unscrew your garden hoses and store them in the fall before winter arrives.
• Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket. Nearly 15 percent of an average home energy bill goes to heating water. 
• Open outdoor faucets so that any residual water can drain.
• Prevent burst pipes by shutting off the water to your hose bibs by draining the lines.
• Be sure to seal any cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations. Look for areas where phone lines or cable TV enter the house.
• If you use a hot water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly. You can close them when water appears.
• Wrap pipes that are not insulated, or that pass through unheated spaces, with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation, are available at hardware stores. You can also wrap pipes with electric heating tape. Be sure to purchase heat tape with a built-in thermostat that only turns heat on when needed. Be sure to check garages, crawlspaces, and basements.
• On extremely cold nights, try leaving the cabinet doors under the faucets open so that they can get a bit more heat. 

If your pipes DO freeze:

• Turn the water off at the main shut-off valve! 
• Leave the faucets on to relieve pressure as the ice melts. 
• Use a blow dryer or heat gun to thaw frozen pipes. 
• Don’t use a blow torch! Way too dangerous!

Prevention is key when avoiding costly plumbing repairs. You know winter is coming, why not be prepared? A few simple steps can save you money. Check around your home and see if you’re ready for the inevitable arrival of, "Old Man Winter."

For additional informaiton or for help with winterizing your pipes, contact the Naperville area Plumbers of AquaTech Plumbing.