seversonplumbi

We know in Central Oregon that the summers are short, warm, and dry and the winters are very long, cold, and snowy. According to the NOAA National Center for Environmental Information Bend typically has 167 frosty nights a year and most of the nights from November to March drop to temperatures below 32°F. In fact, for an average of 13 days annually the thermometer in Bend typically never rises above freezing. When water freezes, it expands. If the temperature of your pipes drops below 32°F you run the potential risk of a pipe fracture or worse. Prevent common plumbing problems this winter by being proactive and checking out our tips below to safeguard your system throughout the cooler months. Here are our recommendations:

1️.Turn off outside water valves to prevent frozen pipes. If your home has a separate shut-off for external faucets, turn it off and drain the water from those faucets.

2. Your pipes are more susceptible to freezing damage when temperatures drop to 20°F or below. Pipe insulation provides an excellent defence against cold temperatures and frozen pipes. To make sure your pipes are well-insulated, close crawl space vents and stuff insulation over the openings. 

3. Periodically, open your bathroom and kitchen cabinets to keep warm air circulating around your plumbing. If your bathroom pipes run along an outside exterior wall, try keeping the vanity doors open to allow heat inside. If you’re anticipating a deep freeze, consider using a fan to help circulate the air near the pipes, or purchase a small space heater for some extra temporary heat.

4. Run water from every valve throughout your house regularly to prevent freezing. Running water, even a small trickle, carries more internal energy than standing water. Because of the friction created by the constant movement, moving water produces a small amount of heat and is harder to freeze than standing. By just leaving a few faucets running, the movement will help prevent ice blockages from forming in your plumbing.

5. Finally, know where your main waterline shut-off is before problems arise. Depending on the age of your house, it can be inside a garage, basement or laundry room, or underground in your yard. After turning the water off, turn on faucets to allow the water to drain and release the pressure in your pipes.

Worried about your plumbing this winter? Do not hesitate to reach out. Severson provides both residential and commercial plumbing service and repair for the entire Central Oregon region including Bend, Redmond, LaPine, Prineville, and Madras. Our service team of plumbers and dispatcher are efficient, experienced, and dedicated to getting to customers with emergencies the same day they call for help. Contact us today at 541-382-3720.

Founded in 1977, Severson Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. has been serving Central Oregon with quality plumbing services including new commercial construction as well as service and repair. Owners Dave and Elaine Severson attribute the success and longevity of their business to the values they consistently apply regardless of downturns in the local economy which make maintaining quality of business more difficult.

Severson Plumbing provides professional estimating, installation, repair, and service to all customers. We are dedicated to providing dependable long lasting plumbing in commercial, industrial, and residential facilities. Our team of installers are ready to tackle any project with experience that comes from years on the job. We offer prompt customer service for all our clients, no job too big or too small!