Leaving a home unheated for even a few days can lead to frozen and burst pipes. Here is a pre-trip checklist for Altoona homeowners.
Keep the heat on
Set the thermostat no lower than about 55 degrees even when you are away. The goal is to keep the interior warm enough that pipes in exterior walls do not freeze. It costs a little, but far less than a burst pipe.
Shut off and drain if leaving long
For a long winter absence, shut off the main water supply and drain the lines by opening the lowest faucet. Also shut off the water heater or set it to vacation mode so it does not run on an empty system.
Protect the vulnerable spots
Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air reaches the pipes. Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior spigots. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older city rowhomes have aging supply lines These are the exact areas that freeze first in Blair County homes.
Ask someone to check
If possible, have a neighbor stop by during a cold snap to confirm the heat is on and there are no leaks. A quick walkthrough catches small problems before they become big ones.
Returning home
When you get back, turn the water on slowly and check every fixture for drips. Call 888-217-3585 and Altoona Plumbing Helpers will match you with an Altoona pro if anything looks or sounds wrong.
Plumbing in Altoona: what to know
In Altoona, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older city rowhomes have aging supply lines. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Blair County — from Hollidaysburg, Tyrone and Huntingdon to ZIP codes like 16602, 16601, 16648 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Altoona?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Altoona Plumbing Helpers will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Altoona.