How to Protect Your Plumbing System During Fall and Winter
Autumn is here, and in addition to falling leaves and pumpkin spice, it brings brisk days and chilly nights. As temperatures drop below freezing, the water pipes in (and under) every home are at risk of freezing and bursting. Not only are freezing pipes a huge inconvenience, but they can also waste enormous amounts of water, leading to flooding or water damage.
As homeowners bundle up and fire up their furnaces this year, they should also take steps to keep their water lines warm. This article will share three ways to protect your plumbing system and prevent frozen pipes during the cold months!
Add Pipe Insulation
One of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of a burst pipe is to insulate pipes throughout the home. Fortunately, many of the home’s pipes are inside walls with some insulation. However, the pipes in cellars, crawlspaces, attics, unfinished basements, or garages need extra protection. These are the most exposed to the elements and the most likely to freeze.
Pipe insulation is made from various materials, such as foam, fiberglass, mineral wool, and rubber—to name just a few. It usually takes the form of tubing that fits snugly around the pipe, helping to retain its heat. The good news is that insulating pipes is relatively inexpensive, and homeowners can do it themselves (though accessing the pipes can be difficult) or hire a professional to tackle it for them. Either way, pipe insulation is arguably the most effective way to prevent freezing pipes.
Keep the House Warm and Cabinets Open
Another way to help keep the pipes warm is to keep the temperature inside the home fairly warm. This is a no-brainer in cold weather when everyone’s home, but it’s a good practice even when the house is empty, like when going out of town for the holidays. When no one’s home, it’s best to leave the heater on with the thermostat set to a minimum of 55 degrees, but closer to 70 degrees is ideal. The little extra money on the heating bill is well worth it!
It’s also a good idea to open cabinets hiding uninsulated pipes, such as those under sinks. This will help the home’s ambient heat reach the pipes. That heat will then be conducted through the sections of pipe that aren’t visible or accessible (particularly if they’re made of copper or steel).
Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Many burst pipes occur in outdoor plumbing, so homeowners should always winterize their outdoor faucets and hose bibs. The first step is to disconnect any hoses from the outdoor faucets. Any water inside the hose can easily freeze, causing the water in the connected faucet to freeze. Next, homeowners should turn off the water to their outdoor plumbing system—this usually has its shutoff valve separate from the home’s main water shutoff. The outdoor faucets should then be turned on to drain the water pipes and left open to prevent any pressure buildup that could lead to a pipe burst.
An air compressor to remove any remaining water out of the pipes may be necessary. If the outdoor plumbing can’t be independently shut off, homeowners may want to hire a professional plumber to winterize their plumbing system. This way, they can skip the hassle and rest easy knowing their plumbing system will be safe until spring!
About A & W Plumbing and Heating Inc.
A & W Plumbing and Heating Inc. was founded in 2005 and has become one of southern Illinois’s most highly rated plumbing companies. As a family-owned business, they’re proud to offer affordable, upfront pricing, same-day service, 24/7 emergency service, and a rewarding membership program. Their punctual, licensed, and insured technicians are all backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so homeowners know they can count on A & W for plumbing services in Murphysboro, IL!
