Protect the Plumbing for the Winter
The change in seasons means added responsibilities for homeowners. Just like spring cleaning, fall requires that homeowners take some steps to ensure the home is ready for the new season. A particular place to pay attention to is the plumbing. Wintery weather can wreak havoc on plumbing systems by freezing pipes. When pipes freeze, they can stop the water flow; in serious cases, they can burst. If a pipe bursts in the home due to freezing, it can cause massive flooding in minutes.
Fortunately, preventing pipe bursts is easy when homeowners take the time to do a few fall plumbing tasks.
Insulate the Pipes With Pipe Insulation
The pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing and bursting are the ones that are the most exposed. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and garages are often the ones to be the most concerned about. Keeping frosty air from contacting the pipes can help prevent them from freezing when temperatures drop, and protecting pipes from cold air has never been easier.
Pipe insulation is a cheap, bespoke product for keeping pipes warm. It is sold in manageable lengths that are split lengthwise. The foam can be slipped over piping and sealed with the included adhesive strip or duct tape, completely sealing it off from cold air. If DIYers attempt this project, be sure to cut the pipe insulation appropriately to leave protection at joints and pipe hangers. If owners don’t want to do this job, professionals can be called to offer protection quickly.
Open Cabinets and Turn On the Heat
This isn’t so much a task as it is a reminder. When temperatures drop during the winter, the walls of the home are all that separate the family from the frigid outdoors. Pipes buried in these walls come closer to the cold temperatures, making them vulnerable to freezing even within insulated walls. To combat this unavoidable fact, owners should turn up the heat.
Many people find high winter bills too expensive, so they turn the thermostat down. When temperatures plummet, they can be vulnerable to frozen pipes, potentially exposing them to the risk of a burst pipe. Turning the thermostat up is the cheapest and most effective way to prevent frozen pipes in the walls of the house. For added benefit, open the cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom to allow warm air to circulate near the pipes that serve these fixtures.
Disconnect Hoses Outdoors
Finally, the biggest task for fall plumbing winterization is to shut down and decommission all outdoor plumbing for the season. Start by disconnecting hoses and draining them by looping them over a fence or chair. Store the hoses in a shed or garage, sheltered from the elements. Next, disconnect and drain all outdoor sinks and irrigation systems. Pour RV antifreeze into drains to protect P traps. Finally, insulation should be added to hose bibs to prevent them from freezing.
About Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc.
Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc., has been serving the area for over six decades. Their teams can help locate and insulate vulnerable piping and perform repairs if a pipe has burst. Call today for plumbing service in Lombard, IL.
