Are You Prepared to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter?
For many, winter is a much-anticipated time of year. It means bundling up for cold days outdoors, enjoying some beautiful snow, and getting cozy by a warm fire. However, the coldest days of winter can also mean additional strains on your plumbing system.
If the temperatures drop too low, the water in your pipes can freeze. When this happens, the water in your pipes expands and raises the risk of rupturing the pipe. This is a nightmare for homeowners and one that results in substantial plumbing repairs and water damage.
The good news, however, is that there are a number of things homeowners can do to prevent and avoid frozen or burst pipes. To help you do this, here are some tips from local plumbers.
Protect Your Pipes with Heat Tape
Despite its name, heat tape is not an adhesive but rather is an electrical cable that wraps around pipes. It provides a controlled amount of heat to pipes and helps to prevent them from freezing.Installing heat tape, particularly in areas where pipes are more exposed to the elements, is a good, proactive way to avoid frozen pipes. Remember, however, that this is something that needs to be installed before the cold weather arrives.
Additionally, plumbing and electricity can be a dangerous combination, so it’s important to make sure that you install this properly and safely. It’s best to let a professional do this so that you know it’s done correctly.
Insulation keeps Your Plumbing Toasty
Pipe insulation is a tubular type of insulation that goes around pipes and protects them from the elements. It is usually made from some type of foam. For areas of plumbing that are on exterior walls or that don’t have access to heat, this can be an important way to protect your pipes from freezing. As an added bonus, insulation on your hot water pipes helps to hold heat in and make it more efficient to heat water.
Plus, during the summer months, insulation can keep condensation from building up on pipes and thus minimizes the moisture in your home. As a result, pipe insulation isn’t just helpful during the winter, but it helps to protect your home and plumbing systems all year, even protecting you from needing repiping services. Consider adding this to some of your pipes before the coldest days of winter arrive.
Let a Small Amount of Water Drip
Even if you haven’t taken steps to protect your pipes before the cold weather arrives, there are some things you can do once the weather arrives. Let a small amount of water drip from all of your faucets and continue its water cycle.This will keep the water in your pipes moving and make it less likely that your pipes will freeze. Additionally, open the doors of kitchen and bathroom cabinets. This will help your pipes get a little more heat and help protect them from freezing.
As the coldest days of winter approach, it’s a good idea to be proactive about protecting your plumbing systems from low temperatures. Doing so can help you avoid an expensive and stressful HVAC emergency.
About All Purpose Plumbing
All Purpose Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business providing quality plumbing services to the Tacoma area. Their team of experienced professionals is committed to providing the highest quality in plumbing services that is always all about the customer.
