Frozen pipes can burst. That’s why stopping your pipes from freezing is crucial in wintertime. If you’re slipping into your winter coat, your pipes are at risk of freezing. These tips will help you prevent a disaster.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During the Winter
Preventing frozen pipes starts with keeping your home at the right temperature. Home thermostats should be set above 55 degrees Fahrenheit on cold days. It’s also important to keep water moving. On cold days, be sure to turn on the faucet located farthest from your home’s main water valve. You can warm up pipes by:
Opening bathroom vanities or kitchen cupboards to let heat from your home reach your pipes.
Shutting off the water supply to your home’s outside spigots to drain all of the water from the line if a major freeze is on its way.
Opening your outside valves to allow the pipe to expand without causing a rupture.
The Importance of Having Your Plumbing System Checked
Frozen pipes can quickly lead to flooding that causes severe, expensive water damage to your home. One flood event can lead to a lifetime of mold and water damage. Don’t let it happen! By booking routine plumbing inspections with a local pro, you can ensure that your plumbing system is getting the maintenance and services it needs to operate effectively. Here’s why homeowners need to stay on top of plumbing checkups:
Save Money: Preventive maintenance is almost always cheaper than repairs. Your plumber can spot parts that are close to failing before a problem occurs. Plumbers can also spot improper installations or configurations that can stop your plumbing system from doing what it should.
Longer Lifespan for Your System: Taking care of your plumbing system can maximize its lifespan.
Catch Problems Before a Disaster: During an inspection, a plumber may spot a small blockage in its early stages. Clearing the clog now can prevent serious flood damage down the line.
Homeowner Empowerment: Homeowners can ask questions about how to care for their own plumbing systems during routine inspections. If you’re concerned about freezing pipes, you might want to ask your plumber about how to close inside valves that control the water supply or locate the shutoff valve for an emergency.
Winterizing Your Home Tips
There are many ways you can get ahead of the cold weather to protect your pipes. Start times for winterization vary by climate around the country. Your winterizing routine for your home should actually begin in autumn before there’s a chance of freezing weather. Here are some tips to prevent frozen pipes this winter:
Seal any drafty areas located around fixtures where cold air could come in. Pipes on exterior walls are most vulnerable to freezing.
Consider asking a local plumber to insulate vulnerable pipes.
Have a pipe sleeve installed for any pipe that isn’t insulated.
Disconnect, drain, and store your garden hoses for the winter.
Drain any of your in-lawn irrigation systems according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check your meter lids. If you notice any lids missing, let your utility provider know right away.
Make a plan. Your local plumber has heat tools that thaw frozen pipes. If a pipe bursts, be sure to shut off your home’s main water valve before calling for emergency plumbing services.