FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Some of the top causes of frozen pipes include sudden drops in temperature, poor insulation and thermostats set too low. To help keep your pipes from freezing, consider the following before the cold weather sets in.

Insulate Pipes: Exposed pipes are more susceptible to freezing. Insulate your pipes, especially in your home's crawl spaces and attic.

Shut Off Outdoor Hoses, Valves and Faucets: Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.

Adjust the Thermostat: Keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night may help prevent frozen pipes. During extreme cold, this may also help reduce the strain on the furnace. Problems occur when homeowners set their thermostats too low during cold spells. During extreme cold weather, thermostats should not be set any lower than 60 degrees

Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water supply to your home means the difference between having to clean up a wet floor or having to install a new ceiling.

Drain your water heater tank annually to remove sediment build-up. Your water heater has an inner lining to prevent the tank from rusting. Sediment buildup in your tank causes your water heater to produce less hot water and makes your tank heat your water more frequently. If the tank is always running, it can overheat and crack the protective lining, causing a major leak. Contact Ridgefield Plumbing & Heating to flush your water heater yearly to avoid this disaster.

Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink. Always let fats, oils, and grease solidify, then dispose of them in the trash can.

Don't use flushable wipes. The majority of flushable wipes on the market do not biodegrade quickly enough to avoid clogging your pipes. If you use them, do not flush them down the toilet. Instead, dispose of them in the trash can.

Do not hang anything from exposed pipes. Extra weight puts stress on the joints and can cause the pipe to collapse.

Use stainless steel reinforced clothes washer hoses. Rubber washing machine hoses lose flexibility over time and can be subject to leaks and bursting.

You should call Ridgefield Plumbing & Heating if any of the following happens:

Leaking Water

A Shortage of Hot Water

A Leaking Safety Pressure Valve

Strange Noise Coming From the Water Heater

A Rotten Egg Smell

Temperature Fluctuations

Discolored Water

Your heating system should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year. The best time to do this is in the fall. A furnace that doesn’t receive regular maintenance will expend a greater amount of energy, which can result in clogged filters and force the heater to work harder. This will drive up your utility bills and, over time, compromise the service life of your system.

We can personally answer any questions you have and install the water filtration system that best meets your needs. Water testing should be completed every 2 years to ensure there has been no environmental changes in your well.