MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - Cold temperatures continue to hit the U.P. and many homeowners face the threat of possible water and freezing damage.
Installation and Quality Control Coordinator for Swick Home Services Justin Blight said the extreme cold will cause more stress to home water and heating systems. Heating System Gas Boiler
“If your water supply starts to slow down at the faucet or in the shower, or it starts to drain really slow those are signs that it’s starting to freeze inside the pipe. As far as your heating equipment goes, if you start to notice drafts in the house and it is not keeping up to temperature,” said Blight.
So far this winter, Blight reports issues with exhaust pipes being covered up and furnaces that haven’t been properly maintained. There are ways to prevent water in pipes from freezing, such as sealing or covering areas with high drafts, installing pipe insulation and even keeping bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to circulate warm air.
AAA Public Affairs’ Gary Bubar said letting water slowly drip from a faucet is also one of the best preventative measures.
“If you do happen to experience a leak somewhere in your house know ahead of time where your shut-off valve is. So, in an emergency, if you do have a burst pipe in the house you can shut that water off,” Bubar said.
Bubar also said when questions arise, ask ahead of time.
“Water or freezing is covered by insurance, but you will want to check with your insurance agent just to be sure. If you have a question in advance, call your insurance company. That’s why you buy homeowners insurance,” Bubar said.
Blight and Bubar also heavily caution homeowners from using space heaters and other heaters to thaw pipes due to extreme fire hazards.
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