5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Pipes During the Cold Season
Winter is coming, and with the colder weather comes a lot of potential problems for your home’s plumbing system. Why? If pipes aren’t taken care of before the winter season, you run the risk of the water freezing in the pipes and causing the pipes to burst.
You can imagine the mess that would make. If you want to make sure that your pipes don’t freeze and burst this winter, then you need to take some precautions. Here are five tips for taking care of your pipes during the cold season.
1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses:
One of the simplest ways to take care of your pipes during cold weather is to disconnect all hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them thoroughly. This will help prevent water in the hoses from freezing and damaging both the hose and your plumbing system.
2. Insulate Pipes:
To prevent your pipes from freezing, you should insulate them. You can do this by wrapping them in thermal tape and or pipe insulation sleeves. This will keep the water temperature inside the pipes warm enough to not freeze during colder temperatures.
It is especially important to insulate any exposed pipes located outdoors as well as in unheated parts of your home.
3. Keep Faucets Running:
If you have to keep any pipes from freezing, let a small stream of water run from the faucet closest to the frozen pipe. This will keep the pressure in the line and help prevent it from bursting if it does freeze.
It is important to note that running water can lead to higher water bills, so you should make sure to turn the faucet off as soon as possible.
4. Use Heat Lamps:
If your pipes are in an especially difficult spot or if it’s a particularly cold winter, you can also use heat lamps near exposed pipes to keep them warm.
Make sure that the heat lamps are out of the way and that they are turned off when you’re not home.
5. Call a Plumber:
If pipes freeze and you can’t get them to thaw, it’s best to call a plumber for help. They have the tools and knowledge necessary to safely thaw your pipes and repair any damage that has been done.
Remember, don’t panic! Things will work out. Get the necessary help and they can get you back on your feet.
Taking care of your plumbing system is essential year-round, but especially during the winter months. Cold temperatures mean that you need to be extra vigilant when it comes to making sure that your pipes are in good condition.
Taking care of your pipes in the cold winter months is an important part of keeping your home healthy and safe. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your plumbing system remains in good condition throughout the winter season.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, be sure to contact a local plumber or visit your city’s website for more information. Don’t let the cold weather leave your pipes vulnerable – make sure to take the steps necessary to protect them this winter.
If you follow these tips and call a professional when necessary, you can help ensure that your plumbing system will remain healthy throughout the winter season.
