Winter is here and as much as we love the holidays and festivities that these months bring, it’s a tough time for plumbing systems. Cold winters can put the pipes at risk of freezing and ultimately bursting. Not only can bursting pipes cause a serious hazard to your house and your safety, but they can cost a great deal financially as well. Here are seven things you can do to lower your risk of dealing with burst pipes this winter.
Water expands as it freezes, causing the pipes to crack or burst. If the temperature drops where you live, the water in outdoor pipes will invariably freeze. Weatherproofing all the outdoor pipes can save them from winter damage.
Your unprotected outdoor faucets are at risk of freezing and causing damage to the plumbing system inside your house. It’s important to drain and shut off the outdoor faucets. Locate the water valve that connects to the outdoor faucet and shut it off. Then turn on the faucet and let the water drain. Make sure you disconnect the hoses from the spigot for the season.
A leaky plumbing system is never wise in any season. It’s a waste of water and can run your utility bills high. In winters, it can be even more troublesome because the water will freeze in and then expand, causing greater damage to your plumbing system. Make sure that you check for any leakage and get it fixed immediately.
Your indoor pipes will not freeze if the interior of your house is warm. When you’re away on vacation, you might think it’s wise to turn down the heat to save energy, but turning it too low can cost you a lot if the pipes freeze. Don’t turn your home’s temperature any lower than 50°F, and open the sink cabinets to let the warm air circulate.
In case of an emergency, such as a pipe bursting, you need to know where the main water valve is so you can immediately turn it off and avoid flooding. Locate the water main beforehand and, as a safety measure, open and close the valve a couple of times each year to ensure that it’s functioning properly.
It’s a good idea to call a professional plumbing service to make your house winter-ready. A-1 Services can ensure that your plumbing system is in perfect order for the winters and fix any issues promptly. Contact us to prepare your plumbing for winter today!
Turn to A-1 Services, Inc. for all your plumbing, heating, and air conditioning needs. From installation to routine maintenance and repairs, we can do it all. We’re a family-owned and -operated company that has been in business for 40+ years.
We’re proud of our reputation for quality and affordable services. For service in St. George, Hurricane, Washington, Mesquite, or the surrounding areas, contact us today!