Top Tips for Protecting Plumbing in the Fall and Winter
When it gets really cold, water in pipes can freeze, starting a chain of events that could be very bad. The pressure inside the lines goes up because water expands when it freezes and puts a tremendous amount of force on the walls of the pipe, finally breaking them. The problems that arise go beyond the short-term difficulty of losing access to water. If you don't fix a burst pipe right away, it can leak water into your walls and floors, causing expensive repairs and mold growth that is bad for you.
Also, a single pipe burst can cost a lot of money, and most homeowner's insurance policies don't cover these kinds of leaks. You will save money and time by keeping your pipes from freezing ahead of time and scheduling plumbing service.
Always Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating pipes is the first step in plumbing! Failing to insulate pipes increases the chances of freezing pipes, especially in the attic, garage, crawl spaces, and outside. The good news is that pipe insulation is one of those easy things homeowners can do independently.
To keep your pipes warm, ensure they fit tightly and don't have any air holes where ice can form. You can also wrap your pipes in many different things to keep them from freezing.
Fiberglass pipe wrap works best in hot places, like near water heaters and stoves. Tube-shaped pipe sticks are simple to cut to size for your bare pipes. Faucet covers keep outdoor fixtures safe. When it gets cold, you can make temporary fixes from towels, rags, or newspapers.
Never Turn Off Your Heat and Open up Cabinet Doors
Keeping a consistent temperature inside your home can also help prevent frozen pipes. It can be tempting to turn down the heat at night or if you are going away for several days, but it’s not something professionals recommend. If you will be away for the winter, take steps to protect your pipes and save energy. Set your thermostat to a reasonable level to keep your home from freezing and to use as little energy as possible.
By opening the cabinets under the sink, you can let warmer air from your home flow around the pipes and keep the temperature steady. When the cabinet doors are shut, the cold air around the pipes gets trapped, making it easier for them to freeze. It would be best to let the heat from inside your home reach the pipes, lowering the chance that they will freeze.
Remove All of Your Outdoor Hoses
Protecting your outdoor faucets from freezing weather is important for preparing your plumbing for winter. First, disconnect the hoses from the outdoor taps. Any water still in the hoses can freeze and expand, damaging the hose and the faucet.
After removing the hoses, put the tap covers on to make them safer. Usually made of insulating materials like foam or plastic, these covers fit snuggly over the faucet. This keeps it from coming into contact with cold air, lowering the risk of freezing.
About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air
Founded in 1996 based on the idea that service companies needed to step up their customer service game, Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air has been serving the Baldwin County area for over 30 years. The technicians always put the customers’ needs first and measure the success of the job based on how well they care for their customers and their homes. Call them today for all your plumbing needs in Fairhope, AL.
