With winter approaching, plummeting temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing systems if not properly protected. Frozen pipes not only lead to the inconvenience of losing access to water but can also burst, causing significant damage and costly repairs.
Keep reading to learn how to maintain the flow, preserve your peace of mind, and keep your household running smoothly, no matter what winter throws your way.
Stay tuned for pragmatic tips, and should the worst occur, remember that emergency plumbing services by J Blanton Plumbing are just a call away to sort out your winter woes!
- Insulate pipes
Proper insulation of your pipes is a critical step to prevent pipes from freezing when the temperature drops. Start by identifying pipes most at risk, such as those in interior spaces that are often unheated (such as garages, basements, and attics), as well as those that run along exterior walls.
You can use foam pipe insulation—pre-slit tubular sleeves easily found at your local hardware store to insulate these pipes. Simply cut the foam to length with a utility knife and wrap it snugly around the pipe. Moreover, secure it with duct tape if needed, particularly at joints and bends.
Insulating your pipes helps maintain higher water temperatures and provides modest energy savings while protecting your plumbing infrastructure from the potential havoc of winter’s chill.
- Faucet drip technique
Allowing your faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold spells can create a constant flow in the pipes, preventing water from freezing. This technique is particularly effective for pipes that run through vulnerable and uninsulated areas of your home.
By leaving both hot and cold water taps open to a trickle, the movement of water continues through the pipes, which reduces the chances of ice forming inside and, consequently, decreases the risk of pipes bursting.
This simple yet effective method is a proactive step any homeowner can take to guard against the costly damages that burst pipes can cause during the winter season.
- Seal drafts
It’s essential to address any drafts in your home that could introduce cold air to areas with exposed plumbing. Sealing these drafts helps keep warm air in, reducing the possibility of your pipes freezing.
Check around windows, doors, and even where pipes travel through walls. Use weather stripping, caulk, or expandable foam to seal any visible gaps. In addition to protecting your plumbing, this will also improve your home’s overall energy efficiency by preventing warm air from escaping and reducing the burden on your heating system during the colder months.
- Keep thermostat consistent
Another important practice to protect your plumbing is maintaining a constant temperature in your house during winter. The heat helps prevent water inside your pipes from freezing.
It’s often advised to keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night, which may slightly increase your heating bill but can stop a much more expensive pipe repair job.
Even when you’re away from home, it’s crucial not to let the temperature drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. By keeping this temperature consistent, you can ensure that your pipes stay warm and prevent any potential damage due to frozen pipes.
Regular, consistent heating can mean the difference between a fully functional plumbing system and one that requires a major emergency fix due to the cold weather.
- Outdoor hoses and faucets
Before the first frost hits, it’s crucial to disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Water remaining in hoses can freeze, expand, and subsequently cause connected faucets and pipes to freeze and burst. After disconnecting, drain the hoses and store them in a dry area to prevent cracking and deterioration during the cold months.
Turn off the water valves for exterior faucets. Then, open the outside tap so that any water remaining can drain. For added protection, consider installing an insulated faucet jacket over the outdoor faucets to shield them against freezing temperatures.
