During the winter, your exposed water pipes are in danger of freezing if the temperature drops too low. This is a problem not only because water stops flowing, but because water expands when it freezes and can burst affected pipes. Just a few tips will keep your pipes safe and avoid needing emergency plumbing repair.

Winterizing Your Pipes: A Guide to Avoid Emergency Plumbing Repair

To keep your indoor pipes warm, keep your thermostat at a constant temperature during cold weather. Open up doors and cupboards to make sure the heat is reaching the pipes. If there are exposed pipes in the garage or basement, you may need to add insulation to the walls to make it practical to heat these areas. Adding insulation may be significantly less costly than plumbing repair for a burst pipe.

Insulate

In many cases, pipe insulation can be applied directly to the pipes in your basement, your garage, or above ground level outdoors. For buried pipes and septic systems, you can lay down a thick layer of straw or mulch on the ground over the pipe. Fresh snow also has insulating properties, but if it becomes compacted, it does not provide protection.

Drain Taps

Some outside pipes and hoses aren’t needed during winter. Instead of insulating these pipes, you can shut off the water supply to these areas at the start of the season, then open the taps and let any remaining water drain out.

If your pipes do freeze this winter, call Reader Plumbing & Septic in Kaukauna, WI, for plumbing repair. For over 40 years, they have served Outagamie County with both commercial and residential plumbing, with a focus on affordable, reliable service. Their showroom offers quality fixtures in a full range of styles for you to choose from. To discuss your project, call (920) 788-2527 or get in touch online.