If you live in a region with extreme cold snaps, you’re probably familiar with the problem of frozen or burst pipes. One broken pipe can spill several gallons of water into your home, costing you a lot in cleanup and repair or replacement. Luckily, there are several preventative measures you can take to avoid unnecessary pipe repairs this winter.
How to Winterize Your Plumbing
1. Insulate Pipes & Use a Heat Cable
Look for pipes that run through uninsulated spots in your house, such as in the basement or along the outer walls. Since these pipes are exposed to colder temperatures, wrapping them in insulation can help prevent freezing. For extra cold spots, a heat cable can monitor the temperature and turn the heat on and off to keep your pipe safe.
2. Shut Off Outdoor Faucets & Disconnect Hoses
Outdoor faucets are particularly prone to bursting, so make sure to turn them off at their shut-off switches. Then, open the faucet and bleeder cap to drain out any leftover water that could freeze. Finally, disconnect any hoses from the house and drain them completely, since they have the potential to send water back up the pipe if they freeze.
3. Turn Off the Water Before Leaving
If you’re leaving on vacation or for the holidays, turn the water in your home off completely. This will keep your pipes safer while you’re gone and not using them. Also, even if they do end up cracking, you’ll have far less damage and pipe repairs to deal with when you get back.
4. Keep Cabinet Doors Open
If you’re expecting a cold snap overnight, leave your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to warm the pipes with your central heat. You can also put space heaters by your pipes or wrap them with blankets to keep them warm.
Another option in sigle digit and teen temperatures, leave a small stream of water running on sink faucets so they do not freeze.
If you need help preparing your plumbing for the winter, reach out to the professionals at Baity Plumbing Co. in Thomasville, NC. This company has been offering expert plumbing services for commercial and residential clients in the Triad area for over 40 years. Their knowledgeable contractors can handle a large variety of plumbing issues, from water heater repairs to leak fixes. Call (336) 475-0921 to schedule an appointment or visit them online for more information on their services.
