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Plumbing is vulnerable to freezing in any area where temperatures dip below 32 degrees. With the extreme winter temperatures in La Crosse, WI, home and business owners need to be extra cautious to prevent burst pipes and the accompanying costly repairs. Bernie Buchner, the area’s local HVAC and plumbing expert, recommends taking the time to protect your plumbing before winter hits with these steps.

Five Steps to Protect Your Plumbing

1. Identify Vulnerable Plumbing

Pipes in exterior walls and unheated locations such as crawl spaces, attics, warehouses, and storage areas are especially susceptible to freezing. Review the plumbing in these locations to identify which pipes will need special attention this winter. If you’re not sure where to look, or simply don’t have the time, hire a plumber to evaluate your system for freezing risks.

2. Insulate

After you’ve identified the pipes that need to be protected from freezing, wrap them with insulating pipe sleeves or insulating tape to shield them from cold external temperatures.

3. Keep the Heat on

Always keep a minimum temperature of 40 degrees in all areas of your home or business to protect your plumbing during the winter months. This is especially important for areas with sprinkler systems. If your overhead sprinkler system is damaged by freezing temperatures, you’ll be faced with a hefty repair bill—not to mention you could put people at risk.

4. Create a Backup Plan

plumbingHave your furnace inspected each fall to make sure it’s in good operating condition, and invest in a back-up generator to keep the heat on in the event of a power outage. Generators can be pricey, but they’re much cheaper than dealing with burst pipes after an extended power outage.

5. Watch the Weather

If a severe cold snap hits, insulation may not be enough to save your pipes. Consider keeping a slow drip of water running through your pipes when outdoor temperatures plummet, and open doors to closets, cabinets, and other storage spaces to help heat circulate evenly.

With these precautionary measures, you can protect your plumbing in the most extreme of temperatures. However, if disaster does strike, call Bernie Buchner at (608) 784-9000 for 24/7 emergency service from La Crosse’s master plumbers. Bernie Buchner’s licensed and bonded technicians will provide you with the highest quality plumbing services no matter the time of day.

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