As winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare your plumbing for the cold weather. Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to your home and require expensive repairs. Therefore, it’s crucial to take preventative measures to ensure your plumbing remains unfrozen during winter. This article will discuss five ways to prevent your plumbing from freezing during winter. Calling your plumbing company to help 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 by insulating them properly. Insulation helps to retain heat and protects pipes from extreme cold temperatures.
You can purchase pipe insulation materials from a hardware store and wrap them around exposed pipes. Pay attention to areas such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages that might 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 your thermostat at a consistent 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.
Let Your Faucets Drip
It’s wise to let your faucets drip slightly on extremely cold nights. This will relieve pressure in your pipes and prevent them from freezing. It’s especially crucial to let any faucets on exterior walls drip as they are more susceptible to freezing.
Disconnect Garden Hoses
Garden hoses that remain connected during the winter can cause water to back into your home, leading to frozen pipes. Therefore, it’s vital to disconnect all garden hoses and drain the water from outdoor faucets.
Call a Plumbing Company
If you’re unsure how to prepare your plumbing for the winter or suspect you may have frozen pipes, 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 insulation and heating system checks to ensure your plumbing is ready for the colder weather. They can also provide emergency services if you experience a burst pipe or other plumbing issues during the winter.
By following these five tips, you can prevent your plumbing from freezing during winter. Remember to insulate your pipes, keep your home warm, let your faucets drip, disconnect garden hoses, and seek 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 issues during the colder months.