As winter settles in across the Pacific Northwest, now is the time to finish winterizing your home before freezing temperatures wreak havoc.
The teams at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning and Noble Plumbing are trusted businesses in the Issaquah area for a reason. This winter, they’re teaming up to help their neighbors avoid costly weather-related damage. With their shared commitment to honest, high-quality service, these local experts offer simple but effective tips to safeguard your home.
Plumbing winterization: 5 steps to protect your pipes
- Locate and label your water shut-off valve: Knowing how to turn off your home’s water can save you from a flood in an emergency. Label the valve and teach family members how to use it. For added protection, consider purchasing a water meter key for about $15 to shut off the main water supply at the street if needed.
- Install a smart water shutoff valve: Devices like the Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff detect leaks and cut off water before major damage occurs. Many insurers even offer rebates for these headache-saving devices!
- Assess your water heater: If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it might be time to plan for a replacement. Tankless water heaters should be serviced every one to two years to ensure efficiency.
- Protect hose bibbs: Disconnect hoses, cover hose bibbs with insulation, and shut off and drain the line if possible. Noble Plumbing received more than 200 calls for broken hose bibbs this year – don’t let yours be next.
- Inspect and insulate exposed pipes: Pipes in unheated areas like garages and crawl spaces are especially vulnerable. Insulate them or use heat tape to reduce the risk of freezing. For extreme cold, space heaters can help keep these areas warm.
HVAC winterization: Keep your system running smoothly
- Schedule preventive maintenance: Annual HVAC checkups ensure safe and efficient operation. Clearing debris, cleaning filters and checking drain lines are crucial for keeping your system in top shape.
- Insulate heating system drain lines: Freezing drain lines can stop your heating system in its tracks. Insulate them or add a heated drain line to avoid costly repairs.
- Maintain garage or exterior closet temperatures: If your furnace is in an unheated area, keep the temperature above 32°F to prevent freezing.
- Check attic furnaces: Snow and freezing temperatures can affect attic furnaces. If the heat stops working, inspect the attic for moisture that may have triggered a wet switch safety device.
Local help is just a call away!
Don’t face winter unprepared. Contact Noble Plumbing at 425-200-5642 or visit noble-plumbing.com for expert plumbing services. For HVAC needs, reach out to All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning at 425-463-9814 or visit allwhvacr.com.
An ounce of prevention today can save you a pound of stress tomorrow. Get started on winterizing your home today!
