Baby, it's cold outside...

We all like to complain about the cold weather.  We have to alter our plans, dress accordingly, start the car 10 minutes before you leave, make sure that you have extra firewood, etc.  The above-mentioned are all minor inconveniences that we deal with every winter.  If you mention any of these issues to a friend or family member in say, North Dakota or Michigan you might not receive much sympathy.

Regardless of how cold it actually gets, there is one magic number as far as your plumbing is concerned.

32 degrees Fahrenheit

We all know that this is the temperature at which water freezes.  But something else has the ability to freeze when the temps dip below freezing and that is your plumbing.  Frozen pipes, faucets, hose bibs, etc. can all make for more than just a minor inconvenience.  They can cost you money and also create a heck of a mess!!

Even though we are into February, it is never too late to prepare your house for an extended cold spell.

Here are some great tips to lower you chances of frozen then busted pipes:

• Unattach all outside water hoses
• Close shut-off valve on the pipe(s) which lead to your outdoor faucets
• Open the outdoor faucets so that any residual water can drain
•  Insulate water pipes, which may be exposed to freezing temperatures or wind.  Don’t forget to insulate the pipes in your unheated garages and basement as well. 
• Heat tape, faucet protectors and foam insulation are easy to apply and available at home improvement stores.  A little bit of protection goes a long way in preventing frozen/burst pipes and costly repairs.

No matter how much you prepare there is always a chance that you will have an issue when the temps stay below freezing for days at a time.  If, unfortunately, this situation occurs, remember that we open 365 days a year and work 24 hours a day.  Day or night, weekday or weekend, holiday or not, we always provide the same great, professional service at the same great rates.

Thanks and stay warm Atlanta!!

Plumley