As winter approaches, it is necessary to prepare the plumbing for cold weather. Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to your home and require expensive repairs. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures to ensure that your plumbing remains unfrozen during the winter. This article will discuss five ways to prevent your plumbing from freezing during the winter. Calling your plumbing company helping with these preventative measures can save you from costly repairs and inconvenience.
Insulate your pipes
One of the most effective ways to prevent your pipes from freezing is to properly insulate them. Insulation helps retain heat and protects pipes from extremely low temperatures.
Pipe insulation materials can be purchased at a hardware store and wrapped around exposed pipes. Pay attention to areas such as basements, attics, crawl spaces and garages that may need more insulation.
Keep your home warm
Another way to avoid frozen pipes is to keep your home warm during the winter months. Most plumbing runs through walls and floors, where the temperature can drop significantly.
To prevent this, keep the thermostat at a constant temperature day and night. If you plan to leave town for an extended period, set your thermostat below 55 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure your pipes don’t freeze.
Keep your faucets running
It’s wise to let your faucets run on a gentle drip during extremely cold nights. This will reduce the pressure in your pipes and prevent them from freezing. It is especially important to let all faucets on exterior walls drip because they are more susceptible to freezing.
Disconnect the garden hoses
Garden hoses that remain connected during the winter can cause water to back up into your home, which can lead to frozen pipes. It is therefore vital to disconnect all garden hoses and drain water from outside taps.
Call a plumbing company
If you’re not sure how to prepare your plumbing for winter or suspect that your pipes may be frozen, it’s best to call a reputable plumbing company. A professional plumber will inspect your plumbing system and recommend ways to prevent potential pipe damage during the winter months.
Plumbing companies also offer pipe and heating system insulation checks to ensure your plumbing is ready for colder weather. They can also provide emergency services if a pipe bursts or other plumbing problems occur during the winter.
By following these five tips, you can prevent your plumbing from freezing during the winter. Don’t forget to insulate your pipes, keep your home warm, let your taps drip, disconnect your garden hoses and get help from a plumbing company. With proper preparation and maintenance, you can ensure that your plumbing remains in good condition throughout the winter season. Don’t wait until it’s too late; prepare your plumbing to avoid potential problems during the colder months.