Prevent Lasting Damage to Pipes with a bit of Cold Weather Prep
There are few things more frustrating than going to a sink and turning the faucet on only to have nothing come out. During these cold, cold winter days, the reason for this occurrence is most likely frozen pipes. Water freezing within pipes is a common happening and can be detrimental to the overall plumbing system of a home. Since water has the unique property of expanding when it freezes, it can rupture pipes and wreak major havoc on a home, causing water damage to the structure and promoting mold and mildew growth.
Prepping a home’s pipes for winter involves only a bit of effort and can save someone from a huge headache later. Frozen pipe repair and burst pipe repair are not easy or cheap.
Insulate! Insulate! Insulate!
One of the simplest ways to prepare water pipes for winter is to insulate them. As exposed, exterior pipes are the ones most likely to be affected by below zero temperatures, so these are the ones that need to be made a priority. Pipe insulation is easily accessible at most hardware stores, and there are different types for different kinds of pipes. - Foam Pipe Insulation: This type of insulation looks like a pool noodle split lengthwise on one side. It comes in different sizes in order to wrap around pipes of various circumferences. This is perfect for insulating long stretches of straight pipe and is easy to install.
- Pipe Wrap or Pipe Tape: This form of pipe insulation is best used around joints and turns in the plumbing network. It is placed by wrapping a length of tape or around the pipe, much like someone would wrap an ace bandage around an ankle or knee.
Don’t Forget the Outdoor Faucets!
One part of the home plumbing network that should not be neglected is the outdoor connections. Outdoor faucets or hose bibs can freeze even more quickly than their interior counterparts do to exposure. This part of winter preparation is really the first and easiest step to take to prevent frozen pipes. Listed below are three simple steps for winterizing outdoor faucets.
- Verify they are leak-free and turned completely off.
- Disconnect and drain hoses.
- Cover them with an exterior faucet cover.
If a homeowner has any concerns about an exterior faucet, they should consult a pipe repair company.
Good Heating = No Freezing
Perhaps the most hands-free way to maintain a home’s plumbing is to maintain a consistent temperature in the house. If a heating system is in good shape and working properly, this will help the water in the pipes remain above freezing. If a homeowner keeps their heating system in good working order, then this will help prevent problems all over the house.
About Twin Belle Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment
Twin Belle Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment has been serving Westchester County for over 20 years. Their fast response times, reliable solutions, and respectful technicians have earned them a favorable reputation in the community. Call Twin Belle Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment for straightforward pricing on any plumbing service in Westchester, NY, this winter.
