Wintertime in Bedford means cold temperatures that can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, especially if you experience issues with your pipes. When the plumbing system transports water through your home’s pipes in extremely cold temperatures, the water freezes and expands, adding pressure and causing the pipes to burst.
Triple A AC, Heating, & Plumbing offers plumbing services in Bedford, TX. We’ve put this guide together to provide you with essential winter plumbing tips to protect your home before the cold hits hard.
Key Pipe Burst Prevention Tips
Dealing with frozen pipes occurs more often than you likely realize. It is one of the most common issues homeowners face in winter. This issue is not only a nuisance, but it also leads to costly repairs. Don’t let a hard freeze catch you unaware. Here are several winter plumbing tips you can use to prevent a frozen pipe system:
Adjust Your Thermostat
To prevent frozen pipes, regulate the thermostat in your home by keeping it set at the same temperature during the day and at night.
This simple step also prevents your furnace system from overworking itself in extremely cold temperatures.
Insulate Pipes
Be sure to insulate your home’s pipes outside, in the crawl spaces, and in the attic. Wrap them with foam pipe covers, heat tape, or heat cables for added protection. Proper pipe insulation helps prevent freezing and reduce the risk of bursting.
However, it’s important to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when choosing this preventative measure.
Know Where the Pipes Are
Know where your home’s main water shutoff valve is. Note that this valve may be in an unlikely place, such as on your neighbor’s property.
Make sure you can locate it in a snap should you ever need to cut off the water during an emergency.
Leave Cabinet Doors Open
Though it may seem like an unkempt practice, believe it or not, keeping your home’s cabinet doors open directs the heat flow to other pipes, such as those located under bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room sinks.
Allowing that extra bit of warm air to surround your pipes could be enough to keep them from freezing.
Seal Drafts and Leaks
Have you noticed drafts or gaps near your electrical wiring, plumbing, and dryer vents, especially around windows, doors, and exterior walls? If so, seal them with caulking, expanding foam, or weather stripping.
This vital step stabilizes the temperature around your home, keeping the cold at bay.
Leave Faucets Dripping
An old trick that works to stop pipes from freezing is letting water drip, especially overnight, as the temperature drops. Before using this method, disconnect garden hoses, shut off outdoor faucets, and drain any remaining water in the pipes you’re not using as a protective measure.
Next, choose an outdoor faucet and let the water trickle.
Maintain Your Water Heater
Although your water heater system serves a different purpose than your pipes, the two systems are interconnected. Regularly scheduled water heater maintenance keeps your water temperature consistent and protects your plumbing system, stopping your pipes from freezing. If your heater is located in an unheated space, insulate it.
Frozen Pipes and Winter Prepping
There are several instances where you’ll want to be prepared beforehand by taking the necessary precautions; preventing frozen pipes is one of them. The best way to prepare for an emergency is to stop it before it happens, so taking a few simple steps to learn how to handle frozen pipes will also help you avoid costly repairs. This is especially true if you will be traveling for work or on vacation and away from your home for an extended period.
The following are a few more measures to take:
- If necessary, replace the battery in your thermostat.
- Set your thermostat temperature to no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Shut off your water valve and drain all faucets before you leave home.
- Speak with a friend or relative and ask them to check your home every day you’re away.
- Conduct drain cleaning maintenance to keep the water flowing properly.
Remember, frozen pipes stem from water line leak causes, so utilizing these winter plumbing tips as freezing temperatures approach is a surefire way to prevent this problem altogether.
Contact Triple A AC, Heating, & Plumbing
If you need winter plumbing protection and maintenance, look no further. Our family-oriented service team has consistent five-star ratings and is committed to your satisfaction and comfort with our money-back guarantee. Call Triple A AC, Heating, & Plumbing at 469-824-9290 or visit us online today.