The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2016-10-27, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016. Frozen pipes cause serious damage, can be avoided Preventing damage With a cold winter being predicted throughout the area, frozen pipes could be a serious problem. By following a couple of quick tips, frozen pipes can be avoided and the potentially drastic damage they cause mitigated. (Ms photo) MS — Freezing pipes are a concern for homeowners who live in cold climates. When temperatures dip below freezing, the risk that pipes will freeze rises. Should a pipe burst, the damage that results can be extensive and costly. Any pipe can freeze, but those that are directly exposed to the cold are the most vulnerable. These include pipes that feed outdoor hoses, swimming pool supply lines, pipes in unheated indoor rooms (i.e., basements or garages), and any pipes that run close to the outdoors through uninsulated walls. Water expands as it freezes, and that expansion can place pressure on whatever is trying to contain it - including pipes. To avoid serious damage, homeowners need to prepare for the Avoiding water damage at home MS — Homes are potentially susceptible to a host of problems. While unforeseen problems can prove costly, homeowners who keep attentive eyes on their homes can oftentimes discover small problems before they escalate. Water damage is a potentially costly problem that can afflict any home. Old homes tend to be most susceptible to water damage, and that damage can manifest itself in various ways. The following are some telltale signs of water damage that should give prospective home buyers pause and compel current homeowners to seek professional assistance as soon as possible. • Stains: Many prospective home buyers have been disappointed by the sight of water stains during an open house or home inspection. Water stains tend to be on ceilings and/or walls. Stains on ceilings tend to be round, while wall stains are straight lines down the wall that may or may not have forced paint to peel. Water stains are not necessarily indicative of a major problem, but homeowners should have the stains examined by a professional while potential buyers should direct their home inspector's attention to the stains. • Deteriorating wood: Wood around windows or doors that is deteriorating may indicate water problems. The wood might be deteriorating because water is Continued on page 17 arrival of colder weather and be smart about how they protect pipes. • Drain water from swimming pools and water sprinkler supply lines prior to the onset of cold weather. Drain water before freezing temperatures arrive, and don't forget to drain outdoor garden hoses and store them inside after watering season has come and gone. • Close indoor water valves that feed outdoor spigots/bibs. Open the spigot outside to allow water to drain out. Keep the outside valve open so that any water that has accumulated will continue to drain and expand outward without damaging the pipe. An insulated bib dome also can help prevent frozen pipes. • Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes inside of cabinets. Keep the doors open to spaces that may not be heated or insulated as well as other areas of the home so that heat can find its way inside. Consider wrapping these pipes with an insulating material as well, such as heat tape or pipe sleeves. • Maintain a consistent thermostat temperature. Ensure the temperature inside your home does not drop too low otherwise, problems can arise. Use a programmable thermostat to keep the house comfortable even when you are not home. Individuals who are travelling should set the thermostat so that it will keep the home at the recommended temperature to avoid frozen pipes. • Open one faucet. When it is very cold outside, particularly at night, let water slowly drip from one faucet to prevent freezing. Choose the sink that is furthest from where water enters the house so water is flowing through all of the pipes to reach that faucet. • Increase insulation around where pipes enter the house. Use insulating foam to seal any drafts where pipes enter the house from the outdoors. Frozen pipes cannot always be avoided. Therefore, it is important that everyone in the household knows how to shut off the main water valve in the event a pipe bursts. This can prevent expensive damage to a home. LLOYD COLLINS CONSTRUCTION LTD • Residential, Commercial & Agricultural Heavy Equipment Services • Licensed Septic System Design and Installation • Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association Member Quality and experienced workmanship at reasonable prices i \ Chad Mann I ` 455 Wolfe St., RR #2 Teeswater, ON NOG 2S0 J 519-357-3015 or 519-529-7082 Fax 519-357-3252 EXCAVATION •TRENCHING • BULLDOZING •TOPSOIL • GRAVEL DUMP TRUCKS • RETAINING WALLS • EROSION CONTROL & REPAIR • Water Well Drilling • Grundfos Stainless Pump Systems • Test Drilling for Municipal & Environmental • Pump Tests • Abandonments • Down Hole Videos • Geothermal Drilling L.111. . •trl Web: wdhopperwaterwells.com E-mail: wdhopper@tcc.on.ca Licenced by Ministry of the Environment RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL SALES - INSTALLATION - SERVICE WINDOWS - DOORS - GLASS - MIRROR - PLASTICS - SCREEN HARDWARE - HEAVY FRAMELESS SHOWER ENCLOSURES SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1981 LOCALLY MADE WINDOWS & DOORS "Built in Canada for our Canadian Climate" ENHANCE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR HOME These attractive, energy efficient and low maintenance windows are manufactured with superior vinyl frames and components made from impact modified durable resins. The designs incorporate heavy duty walls and double walls wherever screws are fastened. Multichamber construction ensures extra rigidity and insulating value. All designs incorporate fusion welded corners for structural integrity and outstanding air and water tightness. FISHER GLASS & MIRROR LIMITED 524-7312 224 Suncoast Dr., Goderich Open Monday to Friday ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED WINDOWS