We are experiencing some very cold weather, unlike anything we’ve had in several years. During weather like this, some extra precaution to prevent frozen pipes is needed. Frozen pipes can lead to potential water damage and costly repairs. It pays to take some steps now to prevent a potential disaster.

The biggest problem areas are going to be where pipes are exposed to unconditioned spaces. Examples of this are as follows:

1. Piping in an attic. Particularly attics above an uncodtioned space like a garage.
2. Outside faucets.
3. Piping in exterior walls.
4. All piping in an unoccupied house (no heat).

The following actions are recommended:
1. Disconnect all water hoses to outside faucets.
2. If not a frost-free outside faucet, a) locate shut-off to this faucet and turn off water then open faucet to drain water, or b) insulate the outside faucets. You can buy products for this purpose, or you can wrap each faucet with rags, newspaper, insulation, etc.
3. Close or block-off crawl space vents. If they do not have a way to close them, you can use cardboard to block them.
4. Open cabinet doors to plumbing on outside walls to expose betetr to indoor heating.
5. Well pump piping that is exposed or above ground needs extra protection. Avoid exposure to wind. Place a heat lamp or high watt light in pump house. Add more insulation to piping.
6. If on a well pump, since these can be highly vulnerable, leave a faucet dripping in the house when temps will get below freezing for an extended period. Temps below 20 degrees are especially a problem for our area.
7. Very old homes are typically poorly insulated, especially in exterior walls. Extra care needs to be taken for piping in exterior walls of very old homes. During extreme cold leave faucets dripping, and/or turn off water and drain pipes.

In the event you have a problem, please remember to call Hammond Services for professional plumbers. We are availbale 24/7 for emergencies. Call us at (770) 227-5325.
In the event you have a busted pipe, please take precautions to minimize water damage. Turn off the water supply as soon as possible once you know you have a leak.
In the event you have water damage, we recommend the professionals at Ecoscrub for water clean-up and dry-out. Contact Ecoscrub at (770) 227-0001.