Watch for frozen pipes in wicked winter weather

After the last weekend, I found myself chatting with plumber friends and homeowners alike who spent their fair share of time trying to fix one of the casualties of arctic winter weather. I am talking about frozen pipes.

Frozen pipes aren’t just a pain to deal with, they can be expensive to replace. When the temperature drops, uninsulated or exposed pipes are can’t deal with the weather change, and the water in them freezes, which in the worst-case scenario will cause them to expand and the pipes to burst. This problem is particularly common in older homes where the pipes are more open to the elements, and they don’t have any insulation to protect them. Even though we’ve seen a relatively mild winter, a winter vortex like the one we had last weekend can throw us for a loop, especially if we’re unprepared. So if the weatherman forecasts another bout of icy temperatures, it’s worth being ready. Here are a few simple tips to protect your pipes and give yourself some peace of mind until spring.

1. Make sure all your outside faucets are covered and disconnect any garden hoses.
2. Try to keep your house temperature at 68 degrees or higher.
3. Allow warm air to circulate in the places you have pipes by keeping cabinets and doors open when it is really cold.
4. Wrap any exposed pipes in reach with pipe insulation, which is available at your local hardware store.
5. Close windows and air vents near pipes as cold temperatures and drafts will enable them to freeze more easily.
6. Insulate and air seal any open crawl spaces that can get drafty and cold.
7. If your basement temperature fluctuates with the outdoor weather, consider heating it slightly to protect the pipes that run through it.
8. If you plan on being away from home for any extended period of time, consider turning your water off.
9. If you have one pipe or area that’s consistently giving you problems, consider buying a heating cable, which can be attached or wrapped around the pipe with electrical tape. You can find a cable at your local hardware store or Home Depot, which will run you around $25 for a six-footer.

If you have a pipe that’s already frozen, use a hair dryer to heat the pipe back up and thaw the ice. Never use a hair dryer near standing water. Another option is to heat some water on the stove and soak towels in it. Wrap the towels around the pipes to regulate the temperature and thaw the ice.

If your pipe has burst, it’s time to call the plumber. But first, make sure you turn off your water at the main valve to avoid further damage. It might also be handy to keep a pipe patch kit on hand in the event your plumber is busy tending to pipes all over town and can’t get to you right away. It’s a temporary fix but will keep you in the clear until you can get some permanent help.

Give that water heater a tune-up

With frigid temperatures on our doorstep today, you might be one of many Connecticutians hoping that your hot water heater won’t leave you out in the cold.

The average lifecycle of a water heater is about eight to twelve years and they can cost anywhere from $300 for an electric tank system to well over $1,000 for a tankless energy efficient natural gas machine. Whichever way you go, when you’ve invested in a hot water heater, you want to make sure that your model is able to go the distance.

If you have a water heater that’s climbing up in its years, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure you’ll get a good run for your money. Here are a few ideas:

As a water heater operates, it collects sediment that can cause decay if left in the tank over time. Don’t let this happen to yours. Drain your water heater at least twice a year to get rid of any buildup, which will prevent corrosion and increase the machine’s energy efficiency.  To do this, first turn off the unit and give it plenty of time to cool down. Then, using a garden hose and pump, drain the water into a bucket. If the bucket becomes filled with brown, sediment-tainted water, continue to refill and drain your heater until the water looks normal again. When you’re in the clear, you can disconnect your hose and turn the unit back on.

Keep your water heater at a steady 120 degrees and lower it down if you’re planning on leaving the house for three days or more. For every 10 degrees you decrease the temperature, you’ll save five per cent in energy costs.

Insulate the tank and pipes with fiberglass. For the tank, fit a fiberglass blanket using foil tape, but be sure not to cover any valve or pipe openings. For the pipes, you can use fiberglass wrap or foam insulation. By adding a layer of insulation to your water heater, you’ll keep the warmth from escaping into the air and you’ll protect the machine from condensation in the warmer months.  

If you have a valve that’s leaking, make sure that the fittings are nice and tight. If that doesn’t work, you might have to replace the valves or fittings. You can find the parts you’ll need at a local hardware store – just don’t forget to shut off the water first!

Remember, working with electric or gas appliances can be dangerous. If you’re not familiar with how your unit operates or if you’re not comfortable with this kind of work, contact a plumber for a routine maintenance check. 

Tackle Your Spring Projects This Weekend

If you’re like me, you’re probably enjoying the unseasonably warm winter that we’re having here in Connecticut. With temperatures predicted to hit the mid-40’s this weekend, I got to thinking about some of the “around the house” projects that you can get out of the way now, rather than waiting for spring.

Basement Remodeling

Does the anticipation of Super Bowl Sunday have you day dreaming about the perfect man cave?  Winter is an excellent time to tackle the task. Obviously being in the basement, you don’t have to worry about any outside or weather-related factors, and generally you might find that contractors lower their rates during their slowest time of the year. You might even be able to enlist the help of a few friends with the promise of refreshments and a seat in front of the new big screen!  

Painting

Give the rooms inside your home an instant facelift with a coat of fresh paint. This job is perfect for this kind of weather because you can open up the windows to let the paint dry quickly and evenly. A painting project should take no more than a weekend to complete and if you’re not up to the task yourself, take advantage of those low rates I mentioned and contact a professional. The winter slow season might just be the time to nab a deal.

Leaf Pick Up

Raking leaves is a rotten task but with a little mid-winter maintenance, your job will get much easier come spring. First, invest in an ergonomic rake so you don’t hurt your back and shoulders. Move the same way as the wind and rake using smaller, sweeping motions rather than trying to grab huge piles as you go. Cleanup along the way so you’re not chasing leaves you’ve already raked and don’t push your piles into the street so they blow into your neighbor’s yard.  Use them as compost for your spring planting instead. 

Wood Floor Treatment

If your floors are looking a bit dull, brighten them up by giving them a light sanding and a few coats of polyurethane. Wood can be tough to maintain because it’s used and abused so often, but if you have a maintenance schedule that you stick to every few years, you’ll not only keep them looking great, you’ll also lengthen their lifecycle. Keep those floors shining by putting felt pads on furniture legs and avoid any cleaners with ammonia, vinegar or harsh chemicals. 

Deck Staining

Staining the deck is one of my least favorite jobs around the house, so getting it over and done with is something I always look forward to. Firstly, make sure no rain is in the forecast, as you’ll want a few sunny days to ensure your stain dries properly. Sweep or blow any leaves and pesky maple helicopters from the surface, cracks and crevasses of the deck. Apply a cleaner to get rid of any mold and mildew and replace missing nails or screws to ensure your boards don’t creep up. Always apply stain on a dry surface in thin, even coats to get the best result.  

Do you have a weekend project that you’re tackling in the warm winter weather? I’d love to hear about it. Send me a message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros.