Have your heating system checked before extreme cold settles in.
Insulate vulnerable pipes and reduce drafts around the home.
Test the thermostat and know where your main water shut-off valve is located.
Address small heating or plumbing concerns before freezing weather turns them into bigger problems.
Montana winters do not leave much room for heating or plumbing problems. Lockmer Plumbing, Heating & Utilities, Inc. helps homeowners throughout Butte and Southwest Montana prepare their homes for cold weather before temperatures drop below zero.
If you are wondering how to prepare your house for freezing temperatures, a few preventive steps can reduce the risk of frozen pipes, heating failures, and uncomfortable surprises in the middle of winter.
Schedule Heating System Service Before the Deep Freeze
A boiler or other heating system works hardest during the coldest part of the year. Having it inspected before prolonged freezing weather can help identify worn parts, leaks, thermostat issues, or other concerns before the system is under maximum demand.
Our Heating Services include boiler installation and repair, hydronic heating, and other solutions built for Montana conditions.
If the system has been making unusual noises, heating unevenly, or struggling to maintain temperature, it is worth having it checked before a cold snap arrives.
Protect Pipes in Vulnerable Areas
Pipes in unheated spaces are among the most likely to freeze. Basements, crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls, and areas beneath cabinets can all be vulnerable during severe cold.
Insulating exposed water lines can help protect them. Outdoor hoses should also be disconnected and drained before winter.
During extreme cold, opening cabinet doors can allow warmer indoor air to circulate around plumbing under sinks. In some situations, allowing a small trickle of water through an exposed line can also help reduce freezing risk.
Our Plumbing Services include frozen-pipe work, water line repair, leak detection, and other services for homes throughout Butte.
Seal Drafts Before Temperatures Drop
Cold air entering around windows, doors, and other openings makes your heating system work harder and can lower temperatures near plumbing lines.
Check weather stripping and caulking around exterior doors and windows. Areas near plumbing on exterior walls deserve extra attention.
Reducing drafts can help the home hold heat more consistently while also protecting vulnerable parts of the plumbing system.
Check the Thermostat
Test the thermostat before you depend on it during a sub-zero night.
Make sure the system responds when the temperature setting changes and that the thermostat is reading the indoor temperature correctly. If you use a programmable thermostat, review the schedule before winter.
During very cold weather, the Red Cross recommends keeping indoor temperatures consistent rather than making large overnight reductions that could leave vulnerable pipes exposed to colder conditions.
Know Where the Main Water Shut-Off Is
One of the most useful steps when you prepare a house for freeze conditions is knowing how to shut off the water.
If a pipe bursts, stopping the water quickly can limit damage. Locate the main shut-off valve before winter and make sure it is accessible.
Everyone responsible for the home should know where it is and how to operate it.
Do Not Ignore Early Warning Signs
A small issue in October can become a much bigger problem in January.
Call for service if you notice:
Uneven or unreliable heating
Boiler leaks or unusual sounds
Weak water flow
Visible pipe leaks
A thermostat that is not responding properly
Lockmer Plumbing, Heating & Utilities, Inc. is a fully insured, state-licensed and certified Montana contractor, and we focus on safety, precision, and doing the job right the first time. We show up when we say we will, and if you call, we will call you back.
Schedule a Winter Heating and Plumbing Inspection
Before sub-zero weather reaches Butte and Southwest Montana, give your heating and plumbing systems a closer look.
Call 406-782-2224 or contact Lockmer Plumbing, Heating & Utilities, Inc. to schedule a winter inspection and experience the difference of working with a local team that understands Montana winters.
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