Winter is unpredictable. Sometimes it can be calm and kind to allow snowboarding, and ice skating, other times it can be disastrous. But what’s even more worrying is the ice expansion as it freezes. While this is not a problem out there in the lake, it’s a disaster when it happens in your plumbing system.
A frozen pipe is fragile and when the ice expands, it can cause cracks or even burst it open. As a result, there will be a great loss of water and resulting in huge utility bills. Luckily, you can take precaution steps earlier. On that note, here are ways of preparing your plumbing for winter:
Keep the Water Running
Stagnant water along the pipe is susceptible to freezing. But when you keep the water trickling through the faucets, you can reduce the likelihood of freezing. Also, with the faucet open, there’s a pressure release that ensures frozen pipes don’t break or crack. And of course, you may see a mild rise in your utility bill, but it’s worth it compared to pipe replacement.
Turn Off All Outdoor Faucets
There’s no way to insulate outdoor faucets. Therefore, the best protection is shutting them off until winter is over or mild. To start, open the faucet, then the bleeder cap, and allow water along the pipe to drain out. This should prevent the pipe from being affected by freezing temperature. However, if you leave water stuck along the pipe, the ice may still damage your pipe.
Pipe Insulation
If water pipes are passing through unheated sections of the house, you need to insulate them. And this is especially if they are still running water. By insulating them, you are protecting them from freeze and thaw which is disastrous. Consider using heat cables and then covering them along the pipe with an insulator to conserve heat.
Keep the Cabinet Doors Open
If pipes are running through the cabinets, particularly under the sinks, keep open its doors. By doing so, warm air from your living space will flow into the cabinet warming up the pipes. But when the doors are shut, then warm air is enclosed on the outer side of the cabinet. As such, this leaves the pipes vulnerable to freezing.
Furnace Inspection
The furnace keeps the house warm throughout winter. As a result, the pipes running in the house are safe from freezing. However, when it fails, the pipes are left susceptible to freezing. Therefore, furnace inspection is an important step before winter.
Disconnect Hoses
If you have a hose right outside your house or in the garage, disconnect it. When the temperature hits below zero, the water within it can freeze and damage the pipe. Also, the ice can continue forming into the main plumbing system and cause more damages. Therefore, disconnect the hoses, empty them and then keep them safely in the storage room.
Water Heater Inspection
While the furnace is under inspection, you can take advantage of this situation and have the water heater inspected. You can drain it completely for a thorough inspection and guarantee that it’s in good shape.
Getting Started
At last, you can implement these precautions and keep your plumbing system healthy during winter. However, if they too much for a DIY task, get in touch with us and we will help you. As Flamingo Plumbing and Backflow Company, this is what we do for our clients. Our services include inspections to ensure your plumbing system is in good shape. Repair if there’s any leakage and then prepare your plumbing for winter. Call Flamingo Plumbing and Backflow at (561) 448-3200.
