Lauderdale and Surrounding Counties Dont Put Away Your Sweaters Just Yet!

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

That famous groundhog, Phil saw his shadow and apparently, we are getting 6 more weeks of winter!

Have you taken the additional steps to protect your home or business against the predicted additional colder weather?

Step 1) Winterize your A/C and Water Lines

Simply drain the water in any hoses and air conditioner pipes to prevent the cold weather from freezing it and causing the pipe to burst.  Also, make sure you do not have additional water collected inside of the equipment. This could damage the equipment and could also start a water damage.  Make sure to also turn off exterior water spigots and properly store away any window A/C units to prevent cold drafts from entering.

 Step 2) Turn down your water heater

Typically, a water heater is set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but most households don’t need that much steam. By lowing the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit you are not only reducing water heating cost but also preventing excess pressure on the pipes.

 Step 3) Using Caulking and Weather-stripping

This can be especially helpful when protecting your windows and doors from weather related water damage which can then lead to mold. Keep close attention to corners and where pipes or wires exit to prevent damage.

 Step 4) Insulate your pipes

This can help prevent pipes from bursting and can also be a money saver for paying less for hot water. You can find the needed insulation at most hardware stores in the area. Ideally, you want to choose the insulation with the highest heat-blocking power.

Step 5) Seal your ducts

Get your duct work inspected to ensure that there is no issue and water is not creeping in. This can definitely go undetected for a long time and then you’ll have both water damage and mold on your hands!

In case your house does suffer from a water damage during the winter months, know that SERVPRO of Meridian is open 24/7 and can respond to losses all over Lauderdale, Clarke, Jasper, Newton, Kemper and Noxubee counties.