Preparing your home for the coming winter typically fills up your weekends in the fall. With so many projects ahead of you, you may be overwhelmed as to where to start. Preparing your pipes for the winter is essential. Risking a burst pipe is nothing anyone wants to deal with and by performing some fall maintenance now, you can avoid a costly repair later. Keep in mind during the winter that when a blast of cold air hits your pipes, they could easily freeze, resulting in different scenarios. We at Orsack Plumbing Company would like to discuss what the pipes can endure during the winterif not properly protected and steps on what you can do this fall to prepare them for the cold winter ahead.
Cracked Broken Water Line Repairs
Cracked water lines are often the result of frozen pipes and unfortunately, this will not present itself until the pipes thaw. Discovering damp walls, moist carpet, or wet hard-surface floors are a sign that you have a cracked pipe. Additionally, you may notice the appliances that require both hot and cold water are experiencing difficulty as well as a drop in water pressure. If you believe your appliances inefficiency or the drop in water pressure is because of a cracked pipe, shut off the water valve; be sure you learn where it is now if you do not know already. Keep the main water shut off until you locate the origins and make the needed repairs. Knowing where your water shutoff valve is essential in many applications but especially in an emergency. Contact a professional if you are unfamiliar with pipe repairs.
How to Make Sure Your Inside & Outside Water Pipes Don’t Freeze
Below you will find the fall prep steps to offer your pipes more protection this winter.
1) Invest in an insulation kit for your outdoor faucets, they are inexpensive and offer protection.
2) Additionally, it is essential to insulate all pipes that are not heated. You can apply heat tape easy enough to any pipes that need the extra protection.
3) In an effort to keep your interior pipes from freezing, keep the furnace set above 55 degrees. Even a tiny crack can produce 250 gallons of water a day causing other damage to your home.
4) Disconnect all outdoor hoses because if they are left attached they can freeze and expand causing the faucet to burst.
5) Any leaky exterior spigots should also be repaired before the cold temperatures draw in. If you don’t know how to make the needed repairs, consider hiring a professional.
6) To keep your water heater running efficiently without causing scalding, make certain the temperature is set at 120 degrees.
7) To ensure proper drainage and to not put any stress on your home, clean out the gutters of leaves and debris.
Plumbing Services in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery, Pinehurst, Egypt & Conroe Texas
There are many things you may not completely know how to do when preparing your pipes for the winter this fall. If you find yourself in need of assistance or notice your pipes need repair currently, call in the experts of Orsack Plumbing Company and let our professionals make the repairs you need.
