Are you ready for a big freeze?
Mobile home plumbing is extremely vulnerable to the rigors of winter because most of the pipes are exposed in the space beneath the home. Without the proper protection, pipes will freeze, crack and burst and the cost of repairs can become overwhelming. In order to keep the water flowing and your budget intact, you need to winterize mobile home plumbing. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Start preparing and completing work in the fall so that you can have winterizing completed before the first freeze.
2. Call your local Department of Human Services or a local program such as the Community Action Commission, if you need financial assistance in preparing your mobile home for winter. There may be a program within your community that will provide winterizing services at no cost, if you meet financial guidelines.
3. Check for existing heat tape on pipes below the mobile home. If it has been installed, check to see that it is all wrapped properly and free from damage caused by rodents or insects.
4. Install new heat tape if none is present. Newer model mobile homes may have outlets installed beneath the structure, making it more convenient to install heat tape. If not, you will need to run an insulated extension cord to the closest outlet available to operate the heat tape.
5. Consider installing foam board insulation on the skirting, as an added buffer against harsh winter winds. If you are concerned about appearance, it can be placed on the inside of the skirting panels. Measure the height and width of a skirting panel, then count how many skirting panels surround the mobile home. Multiply width of one panel x number of panels to figure how much foam board insulation will be needed.
6. Use a hack saw to cut foam board pieces to size. Since it's going on the inside of the skirting panels, it does not have to be visually perfect. You can put smaller parts together on one skirting panel. Use duct tape to secure the board to the skirting panel. This can be time consuming work, but the added protection is well worth the effort.
7. Determine which sides of the mobile home get hit hardest by winds, also whether any of the pipes run close to an outside wall. On these sides, stack bales of straw, at least two high, to block icy winds from entering the bottom of the structure. Check with your local agricultural extension agency to find out where you can purchase straw bales.
8. Protect the water pump, if you use well water. If water freezes inside the pump, it can be more costly than if a pipe freezes. If the pump is outside and away from the mobile home, it must be securely covered and insulated.
Tags: heat tape, mobile home, foam board, skirting panel, skirting panels, board insulation, foam board insulation
