When winter is on its way, it’s necessary to winter your home to avoid plumbing problems. Every homeowner needs to prepare his plumbing pipe work for the freezing cold weather. If your pipes freeze during the winter, the effect may be blowing pipes that cause extensive damage to the water. Prevent this serious winter mishap by adhering to these three proven methods for the prevention of frozen pipes:
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes: Keep Pipes Warm
Every home is usually exposed to pipes in the basement and/or attic area. Simply wrap the insulation material in the pipes to keep them warm. If you live in a particularly extreme winter weather area, you may even want to wrap your pipes with heat cables (controlled through your thermostat) or heat tape. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper installation process. In fact, when the temperature drops, make it a point to open all of your cabinet doors to bring heat to the back wall spaces where your pipes are located.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes: Seal Air Leaks
Even the smallest leak from the outside can allow enough cold air to freeze your pipes in colder climates. Examine your home thoroughly for any room that may be vulnerable to air leakage (outdoor-to-indoor pipe spaces, electrical wiring, air ducts, and dryer vents are the most common culprits, as are attic spaces and crawling areas). Once you have identified potential leakage areas, seal off any leaks that you will find with a combination of caulk and insulation, as appropriate for space.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes The Water System
It’s a good idea to leave a tap running slightly (with warm water) all day and all night, whenever the freezing winter weather starts. If you can, choose a faucet connected to the outside wall, as the cold can easily come in through even the smallest outdoor pipes (e.g. garden hose pipes). If you plan to leave your home unattended for a longer period of time during the winter, then you should shut down your water supply and empty the water system completely before you leave your home.
Remember that Your home’s plumbing is a major investment and one that you will need to last for many years to come. Don’t take your chances with faulty plumbing materials or installation. Put all of your plumbing needs in the hands of competent, trustworthy professionals like Your Local Plumber NOW.