The Top Plumbing Tip to Protect Homes This Winter
When frigid temperatures start to move in, homeowners risk freezing pipes and pipe bursts. As we shift towards winter, it is important to be ahead of the cold temperatures and help prevent issues that can lead to costly repairs and home damage.
Insulate Pipes to Add Warmth and Protection
Pipes in the harshest areas are the most exposed to freezing temperatures. Spaces like an unfinished basement, garage, or attic cause pipes to experience more extreme temperatures because they do not naturally receive heat throughout the home's interior.
Pipe insulation is the best way to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. It is a foam material that fits snugly around a pipe. It can be used in any vulnerable location to create a protective barrier against the cold. Although the foam may not seem like much, the added layer offers substantial protection and holds warmth around the pipe. Insulating pipes is simple, affordable, and highly effective for preventing issues.
Take Steps in the Home Interior for Added Support
Insulating pipes is a great step for the most vulnerable areas, but taking action inside the home can also provide additional support when the temperatures get frigid. Most pipes are hidden in the confines of cabinets, with doors that cover them for aesthetic purposes.
While those doors look better than exposed pipes, they also prevent heat from getting to them very well. Pipes on the home's exterior walls can be vulnerable to becoming frozen pipes when the temperatures drop.
Homeowners can help add protection for these pipes by doing two things.
- Make sure the thermostat is at a reasonable temperature to prevent freezing.
- Open cabinet doors so that heat can flow to these pipes.
These small steps can make a huge difference. A little heat can help prevent pipes from freezing in subzero temperatures, and that warmth directed at the pipes could be the saving grace against a burst pipe.
Safeguard Outdoor Faucets Too
Outdoor faucets can also lead to freezing pipes. Even if they are outside the home, if they burst or freeze up, they could still damage the home. Don't neglect outdoor faucets.
Instead, prepare these faucets by disconnecting and draining the hoses. If possible, shut off the water to the outdoor faucet throughout the winter months. When the faucets must be used during the winter, it is important to ensure the hoses are disconnected between uses to avoid freezing and pressure from the hose.
About Lodder Brothers Limited
Lodder Brothers Limited has been operating since 1975 and continues to focus on building a team dedicated to every client and their needs. Their extensive experience helps them provide substantial support for home plumbing needs. Contact them today for plumbing services in Guelph, ON.
