Winter can be a wonderland, but with it often comes cold weather, snow, and, unfortunately, frozen pipes. With plummeting temperatures, the water inside your pipes can freeze, expand, and cause them to crack and burst. Winter pipe damage is the last thing any homeowner wants to deal with. As much as possible, there’s a need to prevent such a problem from happening. Here are a few essential plumbing tips to help protect your pipes during winter.
Insulate Your Pipes To Prevent Heat Loss
One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them properly. It’s essential to keep pipes warm during winter climates to prevent them from freezing, which may cause costly damage. Insulation is usually placed over pipes in unheated areas such as basements and attics. Insulating helps to keep heat inside the pipes, preventing them from freezing.
Keep a Consistent Temperature Inside Your Home
During winter, make sure to keep your thermostat adjusted to a consistent temperature. A consistent temperature is essential since it helps to ensure your home’s overall warmth. It ensures that hot air is always circulating throughout the house and helps to keep your pipes from getting too cold and freezing.
Let Your Faucet Drip
Letting your faucet drip throughout the night is another tip to protect your pipes from freezing. When you let your faucet drip, it improves water circulation, relieving pressure and reducing the chances of the pipes bursting due to freezing. A recommended flow rate of 5-10 drops per minute is sufficient to keep pipes from freezing.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
You should ensure that outdoor hoses are disconnected and stored properly inside your home. If outdoor hoses are left unattended when temperatures drop, it can cause excess water pressure that can lead to a frozen pipe. By disconnecting outdoor hoses, you can prevent the pipes in your home from freezing.
Hire a Professional Plumber
Sometimes, even with the best precautions, your pipes may still freeze. In such a situation, it’s important to hire a professional plumber to help defrost your pipes. Attempting to thaw pipes yourself could result in more significant damage, and it’s best to leave it to the experts. When you notice any problem with your pipes, contact your plumber immediately to prevent further damage.
Winter can be enjoyable, but it can also be harsh on your home’s plumbing system. Frozen pipes can be disruptive, and the cost of repairing them can be significant. By following the above essential plumbing tips, you can prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter. Always remember that prevention is always better than cure. If you're having any issues with your pipes during winter, don't hesitate to contact a professional plumber who can help with defrosting. Protecting your pipes during winter is essential to keep your home’s plumbing in shape.
