The plumbing system that provides water to your home is essential to a normal functioning house. When this system experiences issues, it can bring production to a halt. One common problem that homeowners face in the winter is frozen pipes. This can mean big trouble and if it is at all possible, you need to avoid it. Simon Plumbing is here to share some tips that will help you keep your plumbing safe as the temperature outside starts to plummet.
How to Protect & Prevent Pipes from Freezing in Cold Weather
As winter quickly approaches, there are several things you can do to ensure you don’t end up with frozen pipes this year. Following are some recommendations we have:
– Drain Pipes Before First Deep Freeze: When it comes to pipes that supply your pool and irrigation system with water, they need to be drained before the first deep freeze. You shouldn’t use anti-freeze in these pipes as that substance is dangerous to not only humans, but plants and pets as well.
– Drain Hoses: Any outdoor hoses used for your yard should be drained and stored appropriately for the winter. Open the outside hose valves and keep them open so that water can drain from them.
– Pipe Insulation to Prevent Freezing: Common problem areas for frozen pipes are the basement and crawl spaces of your home. Adding insulation to these areas will keep the temperature up and make it less likely that pipes will freeze.
– Insulate Exposed Water Pipes: If you have any exposed pipes, it is a good idea to add insulation in the form of a pipe sleeve or heat tape that can offer your pipes the protection they need.
– Reroute Water Pipes: If you have pipes that you are unable to keep from freezing, another option to consider is moving them so they are no longer a risk.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
Anytime you go to turn on your water and only get a small trickle or no water coming out at all, you can pretty much guarantee that the pipes are frozen somewhere. When there is a small trickle still coming out, keep that trickle coming. This small amount of water will help to thaw out the ice found in the pipe. You should also try thawing out the pipe with the use of an electric heating pad or a blow dryer. You never want to wrap a wet towel around the pipe or use anything flammable like a blow torch or propane heater as these methods can be dangerous. If you have one faucet that has frozen pipes and you aren’t able to get water, check the others in your home as you could experience problems in those areas as well.
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Any time you can’t locate the area that is frozen or are unable to get water flow restored on your own, you should call on the experts at Simon Plumbing to get your plumbing system back up and running. Call us today!
