There are a number of cold weather plumbing problems homeowners find themselves faced with including that of freezing pipes. Here at Steve Mull Plumbing our team of professionals want to help our valued clients prepare their plumbing system for the cold winter months ahead.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES FOR THE COLD WEATHER
When it comes to your plumbing system, there are a number of preventative measures that can be taken to help maintain the integrity, health and efficiency of your water system, minimize bills and reduce water loss. The cold winter temperatures surely add extra stress to your home’s plumbing system as does the holiday season with the increased activity experienced from your family and guests. Truth be known that the day after Thanksgiving tends to be the busiest day of the year for plumbers.
There are a number of ways you can prevent common plumbing problems and being proactive is always a good start. Safeguarding your plumbing system throughout the winter months is a surefire way of avoiding costly repairs and damage to your home as well.
MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE
- Be sure to turn off the water valves on the outside of your home – When the temperatures outside drop below freezing level, the water pipes in your home can potentially burst and create some pretty hefty repairs. To protect your home from freezing pipes you should also locate any other pipes in the uninsulated areas of your home and be sure to wrap them with foam or even with towels for the winter months.
- Conserve energy without going too low – If you plan to be away from home in the winter months, it is always a good idea to turn the heat down in your efforts to conserve energy, but be sure not to turn it down too low. When you set the thermostat too low you put yourself at risk for bursting pipes. An ideal temperature to set it at if you plan to be away would be 45F which will allow you to conserve energy but avoid those freezing pipes.
- Be sure you know where the main water valve is in your home – If you should encounter a burst pipe in your home, you will want to shut off the water in your home immediately and in order to do that you need to know where the main water valve is. Typically, they are located next to the water meter.
- Ensure your water heater is working properly – During the cold winter months it is important to ensure that your water heater is performing at peak levels. The professional plumbers here at Steve Mull Plumbing can service your water heater by inspecting its anode rod and making any necessary repairs or replacements due to corrosion or wear. Be sure not to set the temperature in excess of 125F.
- Install insulation as needed – To avoid freezing pipes you can install foam insulation. Be sure when applying the foam sheaths that you cover the full length of the pipe from tip to tip. You should also insulate any pipes that are in the unheated sections of your home such as the attic and the basement. If you are not comfortable to perform this task, then simply give a shout out to our licensed plumbers who can take care of your every plumbing need.
Fall is coming to a close, with winter right around the corner so be sure to take time out now and be proactive so as to avoid freezing pipes in your home this year. For more information about how to keep your pipes from freezing or for any other plumbing services or needs you may have, contact the experts here at Steve Mull Plumbing. We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the highest quality plumbing services this side of Lebanon.
