Preparing Pipes for Winter Weather
Prepare the plumbing system for winter. If water freezes in the below-freezing temperatures, it could risk damaging the pipes. When water freezes, it expands, causing more internal pressure than the pipe can handle. This results in leaks and burst pipes.
Some signs of pipes freezing over are frost on exposed pipes, loud noises coming from the pipes, or low water pressure from the faucets. Homeowners can prevent frozen pipes by taking steps to insulate the pipes and doing annual system maintenance.
Here are a few tips for keeping pipes from freezing over in cold weather:
- Leave the heat on for the pipes even when there is no one home
- Let the faucet drip slightly at all times to prevent a pressure buildup in the pipes
- Open the interior doors and cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach the pipes
How to Insulate Pipes for Winter
Pipe insulation can save homeowners from plumbing disasters this winter. A burst pipe is costly and dangerous, which is why taking the extra time to properly insulate pipes is worth it. There are inexpensive solutions to insulating pipes using the various options out there. Here are several different ways that homeowners can insulate their pipes to prevent them from freezing over in cold weather:
- Apply caulk or spray foam insulation
- Apply heating tape
- Add more insulation to the space around the pipes in the walls
- Install rubber or fibreglass pipe sleeves
- Seal up any holes or drafts around the pipes
Shut Off Outdoor Water Faucets for the Winter
During cold fronts, homeowners need to remove their garden hoses from the water spigot and shut off the outdoor water faucet. When the water in the hose and outdoor faucet freeze over, it can cause plumbing problems for the homeowner.
The pressure that ice puts on the pipes can cause permanent damage to the plumbing system, which is costly to repair. There is also the risk of water damage to the home if the pipe bursts.
When a pipe bursts while a homeowner is away on vacation, they may come home to a terrible mess to clean up. Burst pipe repair can be difficult and expensive if the damage extends to the overall plumbing system.
Winter Heater Service & Maintenance
Before cold weather hits, homeowners should be sure to do their annual or bi-annual maintenance on their home systems. In addition to getting the pipes ready for winter, homeowners should also have their heater inspected by a home service specialist.
One of the most common reasons pipes freeze over in the winter is that the home’s heating system is not warming the home efficiently enough to keep the pipes warm. Doing winter heater service and maintenance can help to prevent frozen pipes.
Keeping up with the recommended heater maintenance and plumbing services can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs by preventing burst pipes.
About Lodder Brothers Limited
Lodder Brothers Limited is proud to serve Guelph, ON, and the surrounding communities with high-quality plumbing services. This local plumbing company has been in service since 1975! Give Lodder Brothers Limited a call today to hire an experienced local plumber in Guelph.
