Preparing Your Plumbing In The Fall
It’s no secret that most household plumbing doesn’t like the winter months. The cold can be brutal on your home’s plumbing, usually without you even realizing it. Colder temperatures mean an increased chance of damage, leaks, and just pure frustration during the wintertime. To prevent all this, it’s important to take the right steps ahead of time to get your plumbing ready for the cold. While a professional plumber is a good way to make sure your pipes are ready, there are many steps you can take on your own as well. Here’s a brief guide to some of the more simple things you can do to winterize your plumbing.
The Dangers
One of the most important things you can do is recognize what can go wrong with your plumbing during the winter. The fact is, the cold alone isn’t the issue. It’s what happens to your pipes when temperatures dip down, especially to the point of below freezing. At these temperatures, water is more likely to freeze while flowing through the pipes inside your house. This is especially true for exterior wall and outdoor pipes. In fact, the danger to your plumbing can begin well before winter actually starts. The first freeze of fall, for example, can be just as dangerous as any cold or snowy day in the winter. Learn to recognize potential signs that your plumbing is at risk. Any type of leak or water stoppage when you shower, use the sinks, or run the washer is a problem. Anything out of the ordinary can also be a hint that something is wrong. If you notice a problem before your pipes are winterized, get professional help immediately.
Easy Steps
If you have access to exterior wall pipes or pipes that are outdoors, the first step is to insulate them. Go to your local hardware store and get insulation material to wrap around the pipe to protect it from the cold. Polyurethane foam is a common and affordable insulating material you can find locally or online. You should also pay attention to any pipes that have cracks or have corroded since the cold makes these kinds of damages worse. These types of issues will usually involve fixing or replacing the pipe which may require a professional.
Steps To Take While Away From The Home
One of the biggest issues people encounter during the winter is pipe damage while being away from home. Long vacations will make the whole home colder, exposing interior and exterior pipes to lower temperatures. If you aren’t careful, you may return home to the sight of extensive water damage. If your pipes aren’t insulated, consider turning off the water before you leave. Keep the heater running on low power to prevent any lingering water from freezing over. If it becomes a major concern, have a friend or family member check in on your plumbing by running the water or checking overexposed pipes once or twice while you are gone.
Keeping Your Home Safe
You shouldn’t underestimate the potential danger cold temperatures can present to your plumbing. Winter damage is costly and typically requires replacing parts in your plumbing or home. The steps you take ahead of time, before winter, will make all the difference. Follow these tips and call a professional to keep everything working smoothly throughout the winter season. For professional help, check out the Pete Fer website for our services or call us today.
