It can be disconcerting to put on the tap one chilly El Paso morning and have no water. Or perhaps last winter’s unannounced freeze resulted in a burst pipe and a repair bill that was very much unwelcome. One has to ask what you are doing to put your home in good order ahead of the next cold snap.
We are here for that at Sun City Plumbers. Homeowners and businesses in the Greater El Paso area rely on us to get their plumbing in shape for the freezing weather. Put in a call to (915) 308-8899 and we will tell you what your property requires.
There is a notion that El Paso is warm all year round, and mostly it is. Yet any winter will have its share of nights with temperatures well under zero and those are when the unprepared are taken by surprise. If your pipes are not up to it, a hard freeze can mean thousands in water damage.
Why Freezing Pipes are Such an Expense
The simple fact is that as water freezes it expands, creating a great deal of pressure from within. A bit of ice is enough to split a plastic line or crack metal. What is more, people are often caught off guard because the damage is not apparent till the ice has thawed and the water is running free.
In a few minutes a burst pipe can do in a kitchen what takes a long time to undo: flood the room, soak the drywall and flooring, ruin your things. Then there is the cost of the pipe repair on top of having to contend with mold remediation and cleaning up the water damage.
Winterizing in advance is a fraction of the price of such a cleanup. It is preparation for the sake of your wallet and peace of mind.
Some Basic Precautions
An expert is not required to see to the basics. Before the cold makes itself known, an El Paso homeowner might want to:
- Put insulation on any exposed pipes in the attic, garage or crawl space
- Take down garden hoses and make sure outdoor faucets are drained at the first sign of a freeze
- Use foam insulation or covers on spigots outside
- Close off any gaps or cracks where cold air can get to your pipes
- Allow a slow drip from the faucet on the coldest of nights to ease the pressure
- Open up cabinet doors below the sink for some warmth to get to the pipes
- Make note of the location of the main shutoff valve for emergencies
You would be surprised how little time these measures take and the difference they make.
Savings You Do Not See Right Away
Beyond staving off disaster, winterizing puts money back in your pocket over the course of many seasons.
Pipes shielded from the cold have a longer life; you are not going to have the stress cracks and slow leaks of repeated freeze and thaw. The water heater does not have to work as hard against incoming lines and is more efficient, and there is less water being wasted so your bills are lower.
All too often a homeowner does not give winterizing a thought until after an expensive freeze has run its course. By then it is too late. Act before the season turns and you will not be paying out later.
For Whom is Winterizing a Necessity?
Aging pipes in an older home are prime candidates, but newer builds are no exception. In outlying communities such as Socorro, Horizon, Anthony, Canutillo, Fabens or Fort Bliss, the overnight lows are colder than in the central part of town. And a business left empty for the weekend or a holiday is vulnerable with no one on hand to spot trouble.
If this is the case with you, plan accordingly.
The Reason for Our Reputation in El Paso
As a family and veteran owned firm in the Greater El Paso area, Sun City Plumbers is something of an institution. Frank Perry, our founder, has 30 years of service as a Marine Corps Reserve combat veteran and is a retired Battalion Chief with the El Paso Fire Department. His son Frankie is an engineering alumnus of the U.S. Naval Academy and a Marine Corps Officer. We hold an A+ with the BBB, are HubZone certified and a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. Military and first responders can count on a 5 percent discount from us.
Our hours are 8 to 5 Monday to Friday for residential and commercial work.
Before the cold comes and you discover your pipes were not ready, call us at (915) 308-8899. Let Sun City Plumbers put your mind at ease.
