Preventing Frozen Pipes

Important Winter Reminders

This winter has already thrown a lot at a number of communities across America, and spring is still a ways away. A number of towns have experienced record-breaking snow, extreme cold, and power outages. Winter isn’t done with us yet. There are still plenty of bitterly cold days in Sullivan County’s future.

As a homeowner, you need to protect your family and home from the worst winter can dole out. That includes doing your best to prevent your pipes from freezing. Frozen and burst pipes are more than an inconvenience. Water damage can cost a lot to address. And the plumbing repairs can be expensive as well. Save yourself the headache and the expense by taking the steps outlined below.

Tips To Keep Your Pipes From Bursting

You can’t control the weather and prevent the freezing temperatures that make frozen pipes a possibility, but there are things you can do. Take these steps to prevent frozen pipes in your home:

1. Avoid a fuel run-out. If you don’t have fuel for your heating system, it will stop running and leave you with a cold house. If your house gets too cold, your pipes could freeze. So keep a close eye on your fuel levels if you’re not an automatic delivery customer. And don’t wait until the last minute to order fuel. The colder it gets, the harder it will be to schedule a delivery, and you don’t want to run out of fuel in the interim. However, you can greatly simplify your life and receive priority deliveries from Black Bear by signing up for our convenient automatic heating oil delivery service. We’ll track your usage and the weather and determine an appropriate delivery schedule so you always have enough.
2. Invest in a whole-house generator. Whole-house generators start working within seconds of a power outage. That means that even if the power goes out while you’re sleeping or away on vacation, everything in your home will continue to function normally. That includes your heating system. That will help keep your home warm enough to prevent your pipes from freezing or bursting.
3. Drain Seasonal Pipes & Hoses. Pipes that don’t get used during the winter should be drained in the fall. They’re the most likely to freeze. That includes pipes for your swimming pool and sprinkler system. Disconnect and drain any hoses connected to the exterior of your home. And be sure to close the indoor valves that supply them.
4. Insulate your home. Part of preventing your pipes from freezing is keeping your home warm enough. Making sure your home is well-insulated will help keep it warmer while putting less of a strain on your heating system.
5. Open Cabinets. If you’re away for an extended period of time, keep your kitchen and bathroom cabinets open so that the warm air in your home is able to circulate around any exposed pipes.
6. Set your thermostat. We recommend keeping your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when your home is empty. If your heating system stops working properly or you find yourself with no heat at all, contact Black Bear immediately. Getting your heating system back up and running as soon as possible is important for the health and safety of your family as well as for protecting your pipes from freezing.
7. Keep water running. When the temperature is expected to drop particularly low, keep a small amount of cold water running from your faucets. A drip should be sufficient. Running water is less susceptible to freezing.

Never Fear! Trust the Bear!

If you do end up having a plumbing emergency like frozen pipes this winter, don’t panic. Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers affordable plumbing repairs and services to the residents of Sullivan County and parts of Ulster County and Orange County. And we offer emergency and same-day service.

Whatever your plumbing needs are this winter, Black Bear has the experience and resources to get the job done right. Contact us today to learn more or to request service.