Did you recently get caught off guard without any running water? It’s amazing how much we take it for granted until we’re without it. Recently, the colder temperatures left many Santa Clarita Valley households dry…no water to shower with, no way to effectively flush the toilets and no water to make our morning coffee. If you didn’t know what to do, you will now.
Below are a few preventative tips:
• Insulate exposed pipes using thermostatically controlled heat cables
• If you have a leak to the outside, no matter how tiny, and it is near your pipes, seal it off to prevent freezing
• It may seem obvious, but, disconnect your outdoor garden hoses and use an indoor shut-off valve as well to reduce the risk of freezing. Also, drain the water from your swimming pool and follow the manufacturers directions.
If your pipes do freeze, turn on your faucets and leave them turned on, turn off the main shut-off valve and call a plumber. While you wait, try thawing the frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer (caution: don’t risk electrocution by using electrical appliances in areas of standing water).
If you are leaving town and think you will save money on heating bills by turning off your heat, don’t. You may be doing just the opposite if your pipes freeze and burst. Instead, drain the water system.
Be sure you and anyone living in your home knows where your gas and water valves are. Don’t wait until an emergency happens to find out. Remember, safety always comes first for you and your family, always.
