As the cracked ice tray in your freezer can attest, water expands when frozen. While delightful for a cool drink, this property of water can wreak havoc on your home or business property's pipe and plumbing systems. Luckily, the well inspection experts at Luisier Drilling in Oconto Falls can offer some helpful winter advice to ensure you don't suffer a burst pipe or frozen water supply.

• Drain Sources Of Water: Allowing water to sit within any system is a recipe for disaster, so make sure you drain every source of water that is going to be exposed to the winter elements. Drain your pool and its pipes. Eliminate all water from any in-ground sprinkler or water irrigation systems. After cutting off the main water source, make sure you drain all hoses and outdoor faucets. After isolating an outdoor pipe from its main water source, leave all the valves open throughout the winter to allow an exit route for any excess water. Systems vacated of water should do just fine over the winter. Don't use antifreeze unless specifically instructed by a professional.
• Identify Unheated Pipes: Do an extensive survey of your property's pipes. Are there any areas where a hot or cold water pipe passes through an unheated crawl space or outside of in-wall insulation? 
• When In Doubt, Insulate: After identifying potential vulnerabilities, insulate the pipes with a pipe sleeve or UL-rated heat tape. Newspaper can provide a cheap and easy insulation, protecting water pipes in thicknesses as little as a quarter of an inch. 

If you're still unsure of the winter security of your water and plumbing systems, enlist the help of a professional. A winter pipe failure is a costly accident that can be easily prevented with thorough preparation. 

With over 75 years of well drilling, well planning, and residential water system installation, Luisier Drilling of Oconto Falls, WI, is ready to assist you with all your water needs. In an emergency, Luisier Drilling can dispatch a licensed pump repairman or water systems specialist, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For all of your home or business well, water system, or drilling needs, call Luisier Drilling at (920) 848-5239 or visit the website.