3 Tips on Preventing Those Pipes From Freezing up This Holiday Season
The harsh winter months can provide their share of daunting tasks and hardships. From shoveling the driveway and avoiding slippery ice, through brushing heavy snow off the car, the love, hate relationship with old man winter can be a true struggle. However, there are other risks that may affect homeowners during this time - and many of them stem from the plumbing. Burst pipes are not only extremely inconvenient but can cause thousands of dollars in damages. Burst pipes can cause structural damage to the house and compromise a variety of electrical components. But with careful preparation, this issue can be avoided entirely.
The holidays are stressful enough, so worrying about bursting water pipes should be the least of one's worries.
Check That the Pipes Are Suitably Insulated
Whether the house is old or new, it’s essential to ensure that water pipes are accurately insulated when cold weather peaks out to say hello. The tools required to check pipe insulation are not typically kept by the average homeowner, which is why it’s always a good idea to hire a professional to come out and survey the plumbing before the winter months arrive.
If insulation is not professionally installed, the residual moisture will freeze and expand, resulting in a broken or leaky pipe that can cost an arm and a leg to repair. A variety of plumbing businesses offer annual services to assure these pipes are properly protected.
Running the Water at a Drip
Running a water drip can be a tricky process. But if it’s done correctly it can provide adequate protection from busted and leaky pipes. The focus is to provide the pipes with a continuous stream of water. Although flowing water can still freeze in extreme temperatures, the stream will release the building pressure within the valve between the faucet and the build-up of ice.
The pipes closest to the outside of the home are the most at risk of freezing. These locations include garages, crawl spaces, hose bibs, and attics. It’s imperative that these pipes are fitted with superb insulation as they often linger at the same temperature as the outside.
Check Your Thermostat Temperatures
Telling someone to turn their heating on during the harsh winter months probably goes without saying. But this simple action can help homeowners save thousands of dollars in pipe and water damages too!
When temperatures plummet, it’s recommended to leave the thermostat at a steady 55 degrees Fahrenheit (or 12 degrees Celsius). This is especially important if the house is left empty for an extended period of time.
Homeowners may need to deal out a bit of extra cash for leaving the heating on, but it pales in comparison to the amount of money it costs to repair busted pipes or a broken boiler.
About Garon T Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning
Garon T Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning consistently satisfies customers with dedication and genuine concern for their community. Addressing complicated issues with quick results, they have earned the reputation of the most trusted plumbing technicians in Northern Ocean and Southern Monmouth Counties. Give them a call for reliable burst or frozen pipe repair in Brick Township this winter.