Winter can be hard on pipes. Cold weather makes water freeze and pipes can burst. This guide is simple. It is for home owners in Hawthorne, CA. It is for anyone who wants safe heat and working water.
Our Plumbing Services help keep your home safe. We fix pipes. We check heaters. We give clear tips you can use now. Read these steps and act early. Small actions stop big damage.
Tip 1: Keep heat on
Keep your home heat on when it is cold. Set the thermostat no lower than 55°F (13°C). If you leave town, leave the heat on. Heat helps pipes stay warm. This costs less than fixing a burst pipe.
Tip 2: Open cabinet doors
Open the doors under sinks. Let warm air touch the pipes. This is good in kitchens and bathrooms. Do not block vents near pipes.
Tip 3: Let faucets drip
Let cold taps drip a little during a deep freeze. A small trickle keeps water moving. Moving water freezes less easily. Both hot and cold taps can drip.
Tip 4: Insulate pipes
Wrap pipes with foam or insulation tape. Focus on pipes in unheated places. Attics, crawl spaces, garages, and basements need it most. Use pipe sleeves for copper or PVC pipes. Make sure the insulation covers joints.
Tip 5: Seal cracks and drafts
Find gaps near pipes where cold air gets in. Use caulk or foam to seal small holes. Check where the water line enters the house. Seal around walls and windows too.
Tip 6: Drain outdoor water
Turn off outdoor faucets and hoses. Drain them and store hoses inside. Close the shutoff valves that feed outside taps. This stops water from freezing in outdoor pipes.
Tip 7: Heat tape and cables
Use electric heat tape on very cold pipes. Follow the maker’s instructions. Heat tape can be safe if used correctly. If you are unsure, call a pro.
Tip 8: Keep the garage door closed
If pipes run through a garage, keep the door closed. The garage gets very cold. Keep water lines warm by keeping the door shut.
Tip 9: Insulate your home
Add insulation in attics and walls. Good insulation keeps heat in. This helps keep pipes warm and lowers bills. Ask us about simple insulation checks.
Tip 10: Find your main water shut-off
Know where the main shut-off valve is. If a pipe bursts you must stop the water fast. Turn off the main valve and call a plumber. Mark the valve so everyone in the home can find it.
Warning signs of freeze
Frost on pipes, strange noises, or low water flow can mean freeze. If a tap has no water, pipes may be frozen. Check the coldest parts of your home first.
What to do if a pipe is frozen
Turn off the water at the main valve. Open the faucet the pipe feeds. Try to warm the pipe with a hair dryer or warm towels. Do not use open flame. Heat from a space heater or hair dryer is safe. If the pipe still will not thaw, call a plumber.
How to handle a burst pipe
Turn off the main water valve now. Turn off power to areas near the leak if water reached electrical outlets. Drain the system by opening taps. Call Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman for help in Hawthorne, CA. We can find the leak and fix it fast.
Quick winter checklist
• Set thermostat to at least 55°F.
• Open sink cabinet doors.
• Let faucets drip during deep freeze.
• Insulate exposed pipes.
• Drain outdoor hoses and faucets.
• Seal drafts and holes near pipes.
• Know the main shut-off valve.
• Keep garage doors closed.
• Call a professional if unsure.
Why call a plumber?
Some jobs need a pro. If you see frost on pipes, or if pipes make strange noises, call us. If you think a pipe froze or burst, stop water and call. Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman offers same day help. We serve Hawthorne, CA and nearby areas. We are trained to fix leaks, thaw pipes, and replace damaged sections.
A note for readers
Want more tips on home care and winter safety? Check our guides at https://mrharrisplumbingandhandyman.com/blogs/. Read them for free on our blog now today. You will find easy posts on water heaters, low water pressure, and home upkeep. Which tip helped you most? Tell us in the blog comments to keep the talk going.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Many people turn up the heat to thaw pipes fast. This can waste power. It can also hide a slow leak. Do not use a torch or open flame to thaw pipes. This is dangerous. Do not try to cut out a frozen pipe without stopping the water first. This can flood the home.
Tools to keep on hand:
Keep a hair dryer, extra towels, and a bucket close by. Have pipe insulation and tape in your kit. Keep a wrench near the main shut-off valve. A simple flashlight helps at night.
When to call a plumber now:
If you see water under the floor, call us at once. If the ceiling has a wet spot, shut the water and call. If the pipe is under concrete, do not try to dig it out. Call a pro. We can stop the leak and make a safe fix.
Stay calm in an emergency. Turn off the water. Call Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman. We answer calls fast in Hawthorne, CA. Let us protect your home and your family.
Call us before winter hits and save money, time, and worry with smart, simple steps in Hawthorne, CA now.