These Winterizing Tips Prevent Frozen Pipes
At first, water trickling out of a once-flowing pipe is inconvenient. Frost on a pipe might be initially concerning, but some homeowners must just shrug it off as part of the holiday season. However, once a frozen pipe turns into a burst pipe, they take notice.
Frozen pipes aren’t random events. Homeowners can spot these conditions before they worsen and take prompt action. They might even consult a pipe repair company to learn more about their home’s plumbing system and how to maintain it.
Homeowners Can Prevent Frozen Pipes by Insulating Them
When it freezes, water expands, sometimes beyond the confines of a pipe’s volume. Depending on the problem’s severity, frozen pipes can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs. One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them. Homeowners can wrap their pipes in fabric, plastic, or foam to preserve the water’s flow. They should also consider:
- Leaving the heat on at all times
- Patching any pipe cracks or leaks
- Sealing crawl space
- Periodically running hot water through the pipes
Homeowners should also keep a close eye on their thermostats. By continually monitoring the thermostat’s settings, they can reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes and flooding. They should avoid letting their home’s temperature drop below 40 degrees to ensure their pipes’ integrity.
Homeowners Should Turn Off Outdoor Faucets
Many modern homes come with freeze-resistant outdoor faucets, keeping the metal (and water inside) safe. However, homeowners should still take these precautions to prevent burst or frozen pipes:
- Remove outdoor hoses: Even if the faucet is off, water can collect inside the hose and freeze. It can even back up into the home’s plumbing system, causing serious damage. A pipe insulation service can give more information into what measures can protect residents’ plumbing systems.
- Unscrew any water splitters: During the warmer months, water splitters are perfect for using two hoses or sprinklers at once. During the winter, however, they’re serious hazards. Not only should homeowners turn off the outdoor faucet itself, but also remove any splitters. By keeping them attached to the home’s exterior, they can crack, warp, or even burst.
- Disable any automatic sprinkler systems: Homeowners don’t want any water in the sprinkler lines. This, as mentioned, increases the likelihood of severe water damage.
Homeowners should also consider draining any pools or hot tubs.
The Importance of a Working Heater
Homeowners can insulate their pipes, turn off their sprinkler systems, and remove their hoses–– but that doesn’t mean anything if their homes’ heaters don’t work. Although some sources recommend more, an effective heater should raise the home’s temperature by at least 20 degrees.
Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. So, the goal is to keep the home’s temperature above that point. That’s nearly impossible without a heater, however. Homeowners can maintain their heaters by:
- Responding quickly to any overheating or smoking
- Having a technician inspect the system once a year
- Changing any air filters
- Removing any debris or obstructions from the vents
- Listening for any clunking or clicking sounds
Homeowners should also remove any dust from around the vents. Not only is dust flammable, but it keeps air from passing through the system.
About Swick Home Services
Since 1977, Swick Home Services has served Marquette, Michigan’s community. These professionals offer honest estimates, same-day service, and 24/7 support. Call Swick Home Services today to learn more about pipe repair services in Marquette.
