INSIGHT Magazine January 2019 | Page 17

There’s nothing quite like stepping into a warm home when it’s freezing outside. That protection from the elements offers a sense of security and safety - one that we may often take for granted. Living in the South, some of our homes may not have LEARN MORE the protection necessary for the occasional subfreezing temperatures. Did you know that the risk of frozen pipes is highest in southern climates? Mainly because people living in the South aren’t prepared. This winter we’re asking an expert. Brandy Jones, Master Plumber, Master Gas Fitter and owner of Alpha Omega Plumbing gives us a few tips. Alpha Omega Plumbing services Calhoun and Talladega Counties, providing 24 hour emergency service. Alabama weather can be pretty unpredictable. Now that winter is officially upon us, we want to make sure you know how to prepare your pipes for anything the cold weather may bring. Here are a few ways you can protect your plumbing and your home: 1. Prepare your outdoor faucets. Remove and drain your water hoses and store them indoors. Cover any exposed water faucet. A Hard Faucet Cover is an easy way to protect these outdoor faucets from freezing temperatures. These can be found at most hardware stores. 2. Fix leaks now. Don't wait… inspect your pipes and fix or repair all leaks. 3. Wrap pipes in unheated areas of the home. Protecting the pipes in your home from low temperatures is the most important thing you can do. This is especially important for mobile homes. Underpinning can help alleviate many potential problems. However, if water lines are not insulated from the factory INSIGHT underneath the mobile home, then they need to be wrapped. 4. Take care of your furnace. Change furnace filters frequently to ensure proper air flow. Changing the filter in your furnace each month will not only clean the air in your home and reduce your heating bill, it will help to keep your pipes from freezing. If your furnace does not turn on, then you are not providing heat to the water lines, which can result in freezing. 5. Selling your home or heading to the beach for the winter? Be sure January 2019 17