Prepare for winter? In Florida? Yes! Though Florida has a much more mild winter than our northern states, it still gets cold in the central and northern parts of the state. In late December, January and February especially, overnight temperatures can drop below freezing. When this happens, it’s important to prepare your plumbing to keep it safe and protected, and to save you money.
Take a look at the following cold weather tips to help you prepare your home plumbing when temperatures dip. And if you have questions or if you need plumbing services or assistance, give us a call!
1. Keep an Eye on the Weather
During the winter months, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather to know when possible freezing temperatures might arrive. Though temps fluctuate throughout the winter, it’s a good idea to keep pipes protected from the first cold snap through the spring so you know your pipes are always protected.
2. Drip Your Faucets
To prevent your pipes from freezing in Florida’s colder weather, drip your faucets overnight or while you’re on vacation. You can do this for indoor faucets as well as outdoor faucets. Doing this will prevent water pressure build up within the pipes if gets cold enough to freeze. If the faucet has hot and cold options, set it to warm water.
If you’re away from your home during the winter, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to drip your faucets and keep an eye on things while you’re away.
3. Add Insulation
Keep pipes warm with additional insulation. For outdoor pipes and hose spigots, use a specialized foam rubber or fiberglass “cup” made to fit against the spigot and the side of your home. If any outdoor pipes are exposed to the elements, fit them with a foam rubber sleeve that runs the length of your exposed pipe.
For indoor pipes in less insulated areas of your home such as the attic, you may want to take the same measures and fit pipes with a foam rubber sleeve to keep them warm. You can also add additional insulation to your home to keep the heat inside.
4. Cover Your Outdoor Well Pump
Have a well with an exposed pump tank? Build or purchase an insulated cover to protect it from freezing temperatures. You can also wrap the pump in a heavy blanket to keep it protected
At Miller and Sons Plumbing, we’re here for all your plumbing needs, whether it’s for a planned service or in the event of a plumbing emergency. Our veteran-owned, family business is always here for you and your family.
