Pro Tips for Winterizing Your Home’s Pipes!
Winter is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get ready for the holiday season. But shopping for gifts, putting up decorations, and baking festive treats aren’t the only things homeowners can do to prepare themselves. With winter and the holidays come cold days and colder nights - some parts of the country are already experiencing below-freezing temperatures - so there’s no time like the present to protect the home’s plumbing system against freezes.
Freezing is one of the most common causes of burst pipes, so it’s in every homeowner’s best interest to do everything they can to keep their pipes warm through the winter months. Read on for a few pointers on how to do it right!
Why Burst Pipes Are So Dangerous
Burst pipes occur when the water inside a supply pipe freezes and expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls. Of course, frozen pipes don’t always burst, but it’s best not to take the chance - even if they don’t immediately burst, the expansion and resulting pressure buildup can damage the pipes and lead to leaks or other issues later on.
If the pipe does burst, it can release an enormous volume of water into the home. Whether the burst pipe is in the crawlspace, basement, attic, or exterior wall, the damage can be extensive, particularly if the water isn’t shut off immediately. Flooding, water damage, foundation damage, and mold growth are some of the possible consequences of a burst pipe. It helps to know the number of a reliable emergency plumber in case of a frozen pipe - but nothing beats prevention.
How Pipe Insulation Helps Prevent Freezing
Most freeze-related pipe ruptures occur in sections of pipe located outside the home’s insulated envelope - unfinished basements, crawlspaces, attics, exterior walls, irrigation systems, etc. Perhaps the most effective way of protecting these exposed pipes is to insulate them or add insulation to the surrounding area (or both).
Insulating pipes typically involves wrapping them in a sleeve of fiberglass or foam rubber. This can be an intensive and time-consuming process, depending on how many feet of pipe need to be insulated and how accessible they are. Pipe insulation should be added to any exposed supply lines, including those going to and from the water heater. This will help protect the pipes (and the water inside them) from the cold air around them - and as a bonus, it will also help reduce heat loss as water travels throughout the home, boosting water heater efficiency.
More Tips for Preventing Burst Pipes
Pipe insulation will go a long way in protecting the home’s supply pipes against freezing, but it may not be enough against extreme cold or prolonged exposure. Fortunately, homeowners can take a few additional measures to keep their pipes warm.
Turning faucets on to a slow drip will help keep water flowing through the pipes and allow pressure to escape - just make sure to open both the hot and cold valves (a single-handle faucet should be in the “warm” position). Leaving cabinets open on especially cold nights will help warmth reach pipes located inside perimeter walls.
If the home will be empty for a few days, it’s best to leave the heater on and set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also a good idea to turn off the home’s water, empty the pipes, and disconnect the garden hoses before going on vacation. Many people do this to their outdoor plumbing systems as part of standard winterization, whether they go on vacation or not. If unsure how to do this, it’s best to have a trusted local plumber handle it.
About Force Plumbing and Heating LLC
The award-winning Force Plumbing and Heating has been serving Holmdel, New Jersey, with pride for over a decade. Their licensed, bonded, and insured technicians are standing by 24/7 to handle emergencies. They offer competitive up-front pricing, membership perks, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
