Tis the season for cold weather! As with every year, we encourage our customers to do a minimal amount of protection to ensure there are no freezing water conditions in your home. This winter season is expected to be colder than what we have typically seen. Let’s discuss different types of installs and things that can be done to provide additional protection.
Garage Installs: Typically, when a unit is installed inside a garage the heat from the home keeps the garage temperatures above freezing. If your equipment sits right beside the garage door and you have concerns it does not hurt to hang a trouble light (75-watt bulb inside a cage) from the back of your unit. These trouble lights generally have a hook used when working on a car that you can hang from the plumbing behind the unit. The heat from the 75-watt bulb will provide enough protection to keep the system from freezing.
Outdoor Shelter Installs: These types of installs generally have the equipment sank 12 to 18 inches in the ground with a protective insulated enclosure around them. Sinking the equipment in the ground is recommended by the manufacturer as the equipment absorbs ground heat which is always warmer than the air temperature. During extreme temperature drops, run an extension cord inside the shelter and hang a trouble light with a 75-watt bulb from the plumbing behind the unit.
Well Installs: If your equipment is installed in an enclosed well house you probably already have a thermostatically controlled heat lamp which comes on when the temperature drops below freezing. This will protect your water treatment equipment as well as all your pressure tank and plumbing for your well.
If your equipment is exposed to the elements you will need to take some precautions in dealing with freezing weather. First, obtain a water heater blanket and wrap all equipment. Then take a tarpaulin and wrap around the water heater blanket covering the entire unit.
Last, for all freezing weather conditions we recommend letting your water drip in a bathtub farthest from the incoming line to your home. Moving water has a difficult time freezing inside plumbing. Do this only during extreme freezing conditions so as not to waste too much water.
Taking simple precautions will always pay dividends in the form of eliminating the frustration of dealing with frozen pipes. For any questions regarding this please do not hesitate to contact our offices.
