A well-functioning plumbing system is something that most of us take for granted each day. From the shower to the bathroom sink straight through to the kitchen faucet, a lot goes into your home to prevent burst pipes.
That’s why few things can be more irritating for a homeowner than how to deal with this issue. Fortunately, taking some simple steps doesn’t have to take a lot of work and can be worth the effort.
Instead of letting water pressure issues rule you, do some preventative work so your home is prepared. You may even want to reach out to a trusted local plumbing contractor for more information!
How to Prevent Pipes Getting Burst
Preventing pipes from bursting is essential to avoid significant water damage and costly repairs. Here are some tips to help you prevent pipe bursts:
Seal Leaks to Prevent Burst Pipes
An air leak can easily impact the temperature in your home, especially in winter when the air is often a little bit cooler.
Be sure to do a check around your home for any place that air leaks might be getting in. This includes any areas that have wiring, pipes, or vents. It’s important to keep in mind that even the smallest of openings can have a big impact on the well-being of your pipes.
If you come across any trouble spots, it’s important to seal them up as soon as possible. You won’t want to procrastinate just in case an overnight freeze is around the corner.
Protect Vulnerable Pipes
There are many pipes around the home that are located near outside walls or in unheated areas. Unfortunately, pipes are vulnerable to cooler temperatures and this can lead to problems for your plumbing system.
To prevent burst pipes in winter and any ensuing water pressure issues, be sure that warm air is being directed to the cooler areas of your home.
If that’s not possible, it’s important to protect your pipes with insulation. In the event that the weather gets too cold, they’ll still have added protection.
Run the Water Faucets
Running the water may be a wasteful option. But it is one the best ways to ensure that the water stays flowing on days you’re dealing with extreme cold.
Because water that’s moving will have more difficulty freezing and impacting your pipes, it can be a short-term option. It’s just important that it’s only used in certain circumstances if there are few other things you can do.
If you’re wondering how to prevent burst pipes in cold weather, be sure to reach out to a faucet plumbing professional. They’ll be able to assess the extent of damage and deal with the problem effectively.
Disconnect the Outside Hose
It might seem like such a small thing but disconnecting the hose behind your house is important for protecting the pipes inside your house!
Any water left in your outside faucet won’t be able to drain if a hose is attached. This means that if the water freezes, it will force your pipes to expand and then contract as it melts. When this happens, pipes can be weakened and may burst which might require sewer line repair.
Instead of risking it, be sure that your outside faucet is completely drained to prevent burst pipes. The outside hose should also be removed and put away for the cold months.
Keep Tabs on the Temperature
One of the easiest ways to prevent burst pipes is to keep an eye on the temperature around your home.
When the weather’s really cold, it can have a more significant impact on your home than you realize. Even a few degrees can make a lot of difference!
You can do this by checking on your temperature manually when the weather’s more severe. Or you may want to set your thermostat so that the heat kicks in when the temperature goes below a certain point.
Conclusion
Keeping your pipes in good working condition is an important part of avoiding water leaks.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be complicated to maintain their functioning. All it takes is a little added insulation and some minor home maintenance, and they should be prepped for anything.
After all, avoiding plumbing problems through the cold months of winter can make the life of a homeowner a lot easier!
If you’re looking for other ways to prevent burst pipes in your home, contact the experts at Plumbing Squad at (866) 324-9553 or reach us on our website.
