MINNEAPOLIS, MN — (Marketwire) — 08/29/12 — A recent newspaper article that appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer and other papers reminds homeowners that, despite the heat of the season, winter is just around the corner. has plenty of experience weatherproofing home plumbing systems, and offers tips to get started before chilly weather sets in.
The article reports that, despite this summer–s record temperatures, winter is just around the corner. It–s never too early to begin winterizing your home, says Alan J. Heavens, a weatherproofing expert. He recommends that homeowners get a jump on cold weather-prep projects now, rather than waiting to do them all in the autumn.
Some of the modifications he recommends are do-it-yourself in nature. They include weatherproofing windows and doors. EarthWorks Group, a building design consultant company, found that the average American home contains air leaks equivalent to a nine-foot hole in the wall.
You can use shrinkable plastic sheeting to patch windows and apply weather stripping to both windows and doors. Door sweeps and caulk also work wonders. You can identify air leaks by holding a candle up to problem areas on a windy day and watching for movement in the flame. Plugging air leaks can vastly lower home heating costs.
Winterizing also involves preventive measures. Removing tree branches that hang over your house can prevent them from snapping under the weight of ice and snow. Insulating water supply pipes is also important. Still, Heavens warns, don–t try to take on too much yourself.
“Limit your activities to what you can do well,” he says. “Hiring professionals, in most cases, fits into the category of money well spent.”
Roto-Rooter plumbers in Minneapolis serve one of the coldest regions in the continental U.S. and are no strangers to weatherproofing pipes and plumbing systems. They possess tools and knowledge not commonly used by the average homeowner. Additionally, they are licensed and insured.
“Freezing temperatures and low wind chill can cause pipes to freeze and burst in unheated crawlspaces and garages,” said Ray Vin Zant, a twin cities Roto-Rooter Master Plumber. “Most people can buy and use foam insulation easily, but exposed pipes that run underneath mobile homes or pier-and-beam houses should be wrapped with thermostat-controlled heat cables, or –heat tape.–“
Also, adds Vin Zant, “Homes that will be uninhabited during the winter months, such as cabins and vacation properties, require additional steps for winterization.” Homeowners should consult a professional for advice on how to proceed.
Ultimately, winterizing early will save you time and effort in the long run. It can prevent headaches such as frozen or burst pipes, and even prevent damage to your home.
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Since 1935, has been helping homeowners. Roto-Rooter of Minneapolis provides full-service plumbing maintenance and repairs to both homeowners and businesses. Their emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and they don–t charge extra for nights, weekends or holidays.