Freeze Alert - Do This to Protect Your Plumbing

Although rare, Mother Nature can send Mesa AZ area temperatures plummeting into the freezing zone. Temperatures near zero, even for a few hours, can cause major problems for your pipes.

Frozen pipes can leave you without water, cause damage to your plumbing system, and lead to costly repairs. These quick and easy prevention tips will go a long way to protect your Mesa AZ area home.

Here's what to do BEFORE the cold weather hits:

• Verify your irrigation or sprinkling system is drained and turned off.
• Disconnect garden hoses from your house.
• Take care of any drafts coming from windows and doors.
• Look for exterior gaps near electrical wiring, dryer vents, outdoor plumbing fixtures, skylights, and solar panels. Use caulk or spray foam designed for outdoor applications to fill in the gaps.
• Know where your water shut-off valve is located and test it to ensure you can shut it off if needed. They tend to stick when not used very often.
• Protect exposed pipes with insulation, heat tape, or temperature-controlled heat cables.

Here’s what to do WHEN the cold weather hits.

• If you have pipes running through cabinets or vanities (especially on exterior walls), open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to flow into these spaces and warm the pipes.
• Any faucets on exterior walls should be turned on just enough to allow a slow drip. This will keep the water moving through the pipes and reduce the risk of freezing.

If Your Pipes Do Freeze:

• Shut off your water at the main water valve.
• Thaw pipes using a heat source (hair dryers, heated blankets, or space heaters will do the trick). Do not use kerosene heaters or any device with an open flame. During this process, keep a close eye on the pipes and don’t leave the space unattended.
• Once the pipes are thawed, you’ll want to test them. Start by turning the water on at the main valve, then slowly turn on the closest faucet while checking the pipes and joints near the problem area for cracks or leaks. Then, increase the flow and recheck everything.

If your pipes freeze and you find yourself in need of professional help, give John’s Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing a call at 480.649.1000 We’ll get you taken care of.

Our Mesa AZ Plumbing Services

At John’s Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we offer cost-effective plumbing solutions. Beyond providing top-of-the-line standard and tankless water heaters, we also care for all your other home plumbing needs. From kitchen faucets to sewers, water softeners, and cleaners - to locating and fixing plumbing leaks, our professionally trained plumbers are well acquainted with all plumbing needs of homeowners in Mesa AZ, Chandler AZ, and the surrounding area. Whether the job is large or small, we’ll treat you, your home, and your family with respect.