Winter is coming. Is your plumbing system ready for the cold temperature? As you approach winter, your pipes become some of the most vulnerable components of your entire plumbing system. The cold winter weather can wreak havoc on your pipes. As the water freezes, it expands, creating pressure that can cause your pipes to burst. Therefore, knowing what to do to prevent such outcomes goes a long way in preventing water damage and costly repairs. With that in mind, here are some practical ways to keep your pipes from freezing in winter.
Add Insulation
Insulating crawl spaces, basements, and attics is one way to winterise your pipes. Many pipes run through such areas in your home. Therefore, by adding insulation, you help maintain relatively high temperatures to keep the pipes from freezing. Insulating individual pipes is also essential, and when doing this, remember to focus more on the pipes in unheated spaces like your garage, attic, and basement. Also, be sure to invest in the correct type of pipe insulation, as this may vary depending on the kind of pipes you have.
Invest In Heating Tapes or Cables
Exposed pipes are more vulnerable to the cold winters. And generally, heating tapes and cables are often the perfect solutions. Heating tapes come in two primary options: manual and self-monitoring. Manual heating tapes tend to cost less than their self-monitoring counterparts, and as the name implies, you will have to plug and unplug them as needed. On the other hand, self-monitoring heating tapes contain sensors that turn on whenever your pipes need more heat and off when the pipes are warm enough. They may be costlier but are more convenient.
Keep Your Faucets Running
Leaving one or two of your faucets running can also help prevent your pipes from freezing, especially when it's freezing outside. You don't have to open them all the way. Instead, letting them drip should do the trick. Doing this keeps the water in your piping system flowing, reducing the likelihood of freezing.
Open Your Cabinet Doors
Your bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors should remain open most of the time. Doing this allows warm air to reach and circulate your piping system, keeping it from freezing.
Leave Your Heat On
Will you be away from home for an extended period during winter? Keeping your heat on seems like the last thing you'd want to do because of energy costs. However, the cold environment you would create if you switched it off can contribute to your pipes freezing and bursting. You can keep the heat slightly lower than you usually would but avoid switching it off completely.
Contact a plumbing service to learn more.
