“Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow,” came the lines from the famous Christmas carol. Yes, snow can be fun. But it also brings a lot of problems. It is during this season that our homes need extra tender loving care.
The most common problem that besets our homes is frozen pipes. This seemingly small trouble can cause lead to numerous plumbing complications. It leads us to the question: how do we prevent this?
The best time to prepare your pipes for winter is during the fall. But if you did not make the necessary arrangement with your nearest plumbing and drain service provider, do not fret! You can still winterize your lines.
The Dangers of Frozen Pipes
Grade school science taught us that when water freezes, it expands. This phenomenon causes the pipes to burst. Thus, it leads to water damage in your house.
If you suspect this, immediately ask for professional help from a reputable provider of plumbing services. While this scenario would only occur if the temperature dropped below the freezing level, it would still be best if you prepare for all eventualities and do the following.
Keep It Warm
One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to keep the temperature in your home even at all times. It might be a tad expensive to do so. But this is a cheaper option compared to the cost of repairing water damage. Doing this will ensure that your pipes remain warm.
Keep the temperature at the same level even if you are out of the house. It does not have to be hot. You can keep it at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This little tip will prevent frozen pipes even if you are out of the house.
Let It Drip
You should allow water to flow through all of your faucets to prevent water from freezing. When doing this, you should use warm or hot water.
This method will also help if the water is starting to freeze. You should apply some heat outside the pipe as the warm (or hot) water flows inside the tube. It will melt the ice built up inside the line.
Make sure that you turn the faucet at its lowest level when doing this. Doing otherwise might cause the pipe to heat up too fast and expand. Thus, it will burst.
Add Extra Insulation
The basement and the attic can be pretty cold during winter. It would be wise to add insulation to these rooms this winter. This way, the pipes in these rooms will not freeze.
If you have insulated those rooms, it is still wise to add extra precaution. You can put the insulation between the exterior wall and the pipes. You can also consider installing fiberglass sleeves or foam rubber around exposed tubes.
Conclusion
With families and friends coming over, we often go the extra mile to prepare for the season. We should apply the same care for our pipes. Winterize your pipes to avoid plumbing emergencies and fully enjoy the Christmas time with your family. Believe us; the effort is worth it.
For all your plumbing concerns, there is no better plumbing company in Columbiana, AL to help you than Professor Plumb. Our founder is a licensed plumber with more than 14 years of experience. We also have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Call us now for an estimate.