Keep Your Pipes Safe During Freezing Weather

With the cold settling in next week, now is the time to ensure your pipes are prepared to withstand freezing temperatures. A burst pipe in winter isn’t just inconvenient—it can lead to costly repairs. Follow these tips to reduce your risk.

Protect Outdoor Water Sources

Outdoor water features like pools and sprinkler systems are particularly vulnerable in freezing conditions. Drain any standing water to prevent it from freezing and expanding. Unheated areas are especially at risk, so take precautions to avoid damage.

Store Outdoor Hoses

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before storing them for the season. Make sure to close outdoor valves to prevent any residual water from freezing. Proper storage will help ensure your hoses last longer.

Insulate Your Attic

Adding an insulated box above your attic hatchway can help retain heat throughout your home. Attics are often under-insulated and can become the coldest part of the house, increasing the risk of freezing pipes.

Insulate Water Supply Lines

Identify and insulate exposed water supply lines, including both hot and cold pipes. Affordable solutions like pipe sleeves and heat tape can provide added protection against freezing temperatures.

Seal Unheated Spaces

Keep unheated areas, such as garages, closed whenever possible. Garages often house water lines that are susceptible to freezing when the temperature drops significantly.

Maintain Your Thermostat

If you’re leaving home for an extended period, set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees. This balance prevents freezing pipes while still conserving energy.

What to Do if a Pipe Freezes

If you suspect a pipe has frozen, here are some immediate steps:

• Leave faucets slightly open to encourage water flow and help thaw partially frozen pipes.

• Use tools like a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater to warm the frozen section gradually.

• Inspect all water sources—if one pipe is frozen, others may be as well.

• If you’re unsure or the problem persists, contact a plumber to avoid further damage.

For serious cases, shut off your home’s main water valve and leave faucets open to relieve pressure.

A burst pipe can lead to significant flooding and long-term issues like mold, impacting both your home and your family’s health. Don’t wait—take these precautions now to safeguard your home during winter’s chill.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. For remodeling needs, contact O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Submit your questions to Bob at info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line "Ask the Pro." All questions may be considered for publication, and advice is for guidance only.

Understanding Indoor Air Quality During Winter

As winter tightens its grip, homeowners often seal their residences to keep the cold at bay. While this practice conserves heat, it can inadvertently compromise indoor air quality, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Understanding the challenges and implementing effective strategies can ensure your home's air remains fresh and healthy throughout the colder months.

Understanding the Winter Air Quality Challenge

During winter, increased use of heating systems and reduced ventilation can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants. Common culprits include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household products. Exposure to these pollutants may cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues, often referred to as "sick building syndrome."

Effective Strategies to Enhance Indoor Air Quality

1. Regular Ventilation: Even in cold weather, it's essential to allow fresh air to circulate. Briefly opening windows or doors can help disperse indoor pollutants. Utilizing exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms further aids in expelling contaminants. 

2. Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels: Aim to keep indoor humidity around 50%. Excess moisture fosters mold growth, while overly dry air can irritate respiratory passages. Using humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed can help maintain this balance.

3. Regular HVAC Maintenance: Ensure your heating system is serviced annually. Clean or replace filters every 1-3 months to prevent dust and allergen accumulation. Consider having your air ducts inspected and cleaned to remove any built-up debris that could circulate throughout your home.

4. Consider Using Air Purifiers: Air purifiers can be a powerful tool in maintaining indoor air quality during winter. Look for models equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which are designed to capture small particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Many purifiers also include activated carbon filters to remove odors and VOCs from the air. Placing a purifier in frequently used spaces, like the living room or bedroom, can significantly reduce airborne pollutants and help create a healthier home environment.

5. Incorporate Indoor Plants: Certain houseplants can naturally purify indoor air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. Plants like sansevieria (snake plant) are known for their air-cleaning properties and can be a beneficial addition to your home with very low maintenance needs.

6. Use Natural Cleaning Products: Traditional cleaning agents can emit VOCs, degrading air quality. Opt for natural or eco-friendly cleaners to minimize chemical exposure. Additionally, store chemicals safely and ensure proper ventilation when using them.

7. Monitor for Radon and Carbon Monoxide: Install detectors to monitor levels of these colorless, odorless gases. Regularly test and maintain these devices to ensure they function correctly, safeguarding your household from potential hazards.

8. Keep Your Home Clean: Regular dusting and vacuuming can significantly reduce indoor pollutants. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter ensures that dust and allergens are effectively captured and not redistributed into the air.

9. Be Cautious with Scented Products: Air fresheners and scented candles can emit VOCs. Opt for unscented or naturally scented alternatives, and ensure proper ventilation when using them.

By implementing these strategies, you can maintain a healthy indoor environment during the winter months, ensuring that your home remains comfortable and safe.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Winter’s Unwanted Houseguests: Animals in Your Home

As colder weather finally settles in, you might find yourself sharing your home with some unexpected guests. Mice, raccoons, squirrels, and even possums often look for warmer places to stay as the weather grows colder. Attics make an ideal retreat, providing shelter from the elements. If you’re hearing strange noises—such as squeaks, scurrying, or even hissing—especially late at night, it’s likely that a critter has moved in.

If an animal has taken up residence, it’s important to act quickly before they get too comfortable. Once settled, they may start nesting, which can lead to further damage. Most animals leave clues that help identify them. High-pitched squeaks or chewing sounds usually mean rats or mice, while fast scurrying is often a sign of a squirrel or a mouse. Raccoons, known for their snarling and hissing, tend to make more aggressive noises. While some animals move into your attic on purpose, others may be there by accident and are simply trying to find a way back outside. Understanding what you’re dealing with can help you determine the best course of action.

Animals in your attic aren’t just a nuisance; they pose serious risks to your home. Most will gnaw on anything they encounter, especially mice and rats, which chew through wiring, creating fire hazards. Larger animals like raccoons and possums can tear apart insulation and ruin ductwork, leading to costly repairs. Their droppings and urine can also create unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions.

If your problem is mice or rats, they likely came in looking for warmth and water. These small animals can squeeze through holes as tiny as a dime, so sealing any potential entry points and fixing leaks is essential. Setting bait traps can catch some of the rodents already inside, but long-term solutions require securing all access points to prevent re-entry.

Squirrels, on the other hand, usually prefer the outdoors and may have come into the attic by mistake. They often get in through soffits or vents. One of the best ways to help them leave is by installing an exclusion door—a one-way exit that allows them to leave but not return.

Raccoons are more determined and will stay put if they find a warm, dark spot. Since they’re nocturnal, try leaving lights on in the attic and playing music to encourage them to find somewhere quieter to rest.

Bats are trickier, as they’re usually very quiet unless there’s a large colony present. Due to potential health risks, bat removal should only be performed by a certified DEEP specialist.

Finally, possums, much like raccoons, are resilient squatters that often refuse to leave. Their droppings can quickly accumulate, leaving a huge mess and a foul odor. The best way to handle a possum is to call a professional for humane trapping and removal.

Ultimately, dealing with unwanted animal visitors is best left to professionals. Ignoring the problem can result in more than a few sleepless nights—it can lead to extensive and costly repairs.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.