Express Plumbing Heating & Air Blog
Winter is fast approaching. Leaves are changing, pumpkin spice has returned, and temperatures have begun to drop. So as we all pull out our winter coats and warm boots, it can be easy to forget that we aren’t the only ones who need protection against the cold weather. Follow these tips for winterizing your home plumbing to avoid water damage from frozen pipes.
Pipe insulation is a good place to start when protecting your system against those harsh winter months. Pipes are more likely to freeze when temperatures reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit and lower. can drop well below that level! Wrap your pipes in tubes made of polyethylene or fiberglass, being sure to measure the pipes first to ensure you are getting the right size. You should be able to find such materials at your local plumbing supply store. If you have any pipes that have been repaired or replaced in the last 12 months, or pipes that have frozen before, make sure to take extra care, as these are more susceptible to damage.
A couple of simple steps you can take as well would be to keep a dripping faucet and opening sink cabinets. A small, steady drip on a faucet can eliminate pressure between the faucet and an ice blockage. So this helps prevent it from bursting even in the event that it does freeze. Simply opening sink cabinet doors can help more heat to reach the pipes and prevent freezing.
Finally, some simple home maintenance can save you the headache of a burst pipe. Take a walk around the exterior of your home and check for cracks or holes in the walls and foundation. Simply sealing these with spray foam insulation and caulking makes them an easy fix. So If you have a basement, check for cracked windows. Check the insulation around all doors leading outside. These few simple steps toward winterizing your home could make all the difference!
As always, if you are not able to winterize for yourself, your friends here at Express Plumbing Heating & Air are here to help!
