Prepare for cold weather now.

                 Frozen pipes last winter caused havoc in Flagstaff. Homes, business and schools that were not prepared for the cold snap were faced with an emergency situation.

                According to Insurance industry experts, the average homeowner insurance claim for water damage and freezing is nearly $6,000 (most are must higher, like the picture below), making frozen pipes one of the most costly problems facing homeowners every winter. Come wintertime, homeowners can take precautions to keep the pipes intact and avoid pouring thousands of dollars into home repairs.

               I'm not a Physicologist, but this is what I see from the outside looking into these situations. Homeowners will plan every detail of a holiday trip when they’re headed out of town, but they often don’t think to prepare to prevent their pipes from freezing. Even in the early fall, there are measures you should take to protect your home from water damage when a cold snap hits.

What Can Flagstaff Homeowners do to Protect Their Property?

· If you suspect problems this winter have a professional ensure your plumbing system is designed correctly now, before cold weather hits. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are extremely vulnerable to freezing.

· Have an easy turning main water disconnect valve inside your home. Know where it is and how to use it. Outdoor water valves are buried deep in the ground, required special tools to operate, can be difficult to turn and are often covered by thick snow and ice in an emergency.

· Keep bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open during a cold spell to let warm air circulate around the pipes.

· Seal any leaks in your home, attic, basement or crawlspace that might allow cold air inside where pipes are located.

            If your home had has problems in past winters and only the minimal repairs were made you can expect it to happen again. (It's sad, but true.) It is similar to a doctor that only treats the symptom, but not the sickness. Use a plumber who can look at the larger picture. Permanent solutions solve the problem completely so it will never reoccur, even when colder weather is in the forecast.”

                    Mortensen Custom Plumbing helps their customers year-round to prevent frozen pipes during cold temperatures. Proactive homeowners can call Mortensen Custom Plumbing at 928-774-HELP(4357) to schedule an inspection of their plumbing system. Their expert technicians can find problems before they start and offer permanent solutions with warranties that extend for years, not just days. For more information visit www.MortensenCustomPlumbing.com