Winter can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, but with the right precautions, you can prevent the costly and inconvenient disaster of burst pipes.
Understand Why Pipes Burst
Understanding why pipes burst is the first step in preventing it. When water freezes, it expands. This expansion can create excessive pressure inside your pipes, causing them to crack or burst. Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and garages are particularly vulnerable.
Knowing the risks and areas of concern can help you take specific actions to protect your home from water damage this winter.
Insulate Your Pipes
One of the most effective ways to prevent burst pipes is to insulate them. Pipe insulation helps keep the temperature of the water inside the pipes above freezing. You can use foam pipe insulation, which is easy to install and available at most hardware stores.
Make sure to insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as garages, basements, and crawl spaces. For added protection, consider using heat tape or heat cables on vulnerable pipes.
Keep Your Home Warm
Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is crucial during the winter months. Set your thermostat to a minimum of 55°F, even when you are not at home, to ensure that all areas of your house remain warm enough to prevent freezing.
Additionally, open cabinet doors under sinks and in bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. This can help keep pipes warm and reduce the risk of freezing.
Let Faucets Drip
Allowing faucets to drip slightly can relieve the pressure that builds up between the ice blockage and the faucet. Even a small trickle of water can prevent pipes from bursting by keeping the water moving and reducing the chance of freezing.
Focus on letting faucets drip in areas where pipes are most vulnerable to freezing, such as exterior walls or unheated spaces.
Know How to Shut Off Your Water
In the event that a pipe does burst, knowing how to quickly shut off your water supply can minimize damage. Locate your main water shut-off valve and ensure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it.
Taking the time to familiarize yourself with your plumbing system can save you valuable time and reduce water damage if an emergency occurs.
Our whole house plumbing inspections in Bloomington, Indiana will help you identify any winter prep plumbing issues that you may have.
Give us a call and we will schedule your inspection today.
We will
- Check your irrigation and sprinkler systems to make sure they are off and drained.
- Help you identify areas of the home that may be freezing points.
- Show you how to shut off your water in case of a leak.
- Identify pipes that may need to insulated.
