The colder months are here. While you’ve already donned your trusty parka and winter boots, if you don’t employ the right preventative measures, the plunging temperatures could take a toll on your household. All Hours Plumbing frequently reminds customers that winterizing their plumbing pipes are a big help in preventing leaks and breaks from happening at home. So, keep your plumbing system properly insulated to prevent potential plumbing damage.
Telltale Signs of Frozen Pipes
There a few signs that can help you determine if you have frozen pipes, and it can help you take the right precautions before it becomes a problem at all.
- Clogged faucets – Perhaps you’ve turned on the faucet but there’s no water coming out. Check the main water pipe — it could be frozen.
- Frosted pipes – Inspect your household to see if frost has accumulated on any of the pipes. This is a clear warning sign for you not to turn on the faucet.
Maintain Proper Insulation Indoors
Any cold air that makes its way indoors has the potential to freeze indoor pipes. To keep them well-insulated, consider investing in a water heater blanket. The blanket not only keeps the pipe insulated, it could also help cut down on your water bill by reducing water warm-up time at the faucet. In line with that, remember to drip the faucet overnight to keep the water from freezing.
Maintaining heat indoors is also a big help. So, close heat vents and adjust all thermostats accordingly to prevent cold air from gushing in.
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Plumbing
Exterior pipes are prone to bursting, and a burst pipe could cause significant damage to walls and the ceiling. Disconnecting garden hoses and turning off drain sprinkler systems will help prevent such a thing from occuring. Shut off your main water valve, then turn all your faucets on to the drain the pipes of water. This helps release pressure, as a closed pipe creates a vacuum that holds water inside.
Winterize your plumbing this winter season to avoid any serious issues with your pipes. You can easily do this by maintaining proper insulation indoors and by draining faucets of excess water.