How to Avoid a Costly Winter Plumbing Pipe Leak
Plumbing issues will arise during the most inconvenient times and this is because it is the time when there is a lot of stress on your pipes.
Seasonal shifts, winter temperatures, or travel will push the plumbing system to the brink.
Below are some great tips that will help you in preparing the plumbing system for the cold-weather season when anything happens.
Protecting Your Pipes From Freezing During Cold Winter Months
When the temperature drops during winter, the water inside can easily freeze, and this can lead to bursting of the pipes. The damage can be big if you are out of the house, with some being massive flooding of your home and damage to your rugs, furniture, and home structure.
If you want to reduce the risk of the pipes bursting, wrap the un-insulated pipes using foam. You can get foam tubes you’re your local hardware store. If the foam doesn’t have self-adhesive edges, use duct tape.
Fix Plumbing Leaks
The best time to get your leaks repaired is now. You should do a proper check of the faucets in the kitchen, bathrooms, and any other rooms and see whether there are drips and puddles. If you notice any problem with the faucet, call a plumber so that the problem can be fixed.
Drain Your Water Heater
If you are in a location that has hard water, then the sediment will build up in your tank, and this causes rust to start developing inside. The rust can then find a way into your cooking, drinking, and bathing water. If the hot water heater is too old or rusted, then you should think about a new unit before the winter season.
Disconnect All Outdoor Hoses
The best thing to do is disconnecting, wrapping up and packing away the garden hose until the return of warm weather. When you leave it connected, it can cause the water left inside it to freeze and expands, and this will also cause the freezing of the connecting pipes and faucets as well.
Closing and Draining Shut-off Valves
If there are interior shut off valves in your home that lead to outdoor faucets, then you should close them, then drain the water from outside lines. If there is water in the lines, it can easily freeze and result in a lot of damage.
The above tips will go a long way in helping you avoid pipe leaks. However, if you do get a pipe leak call a local plumber like us who can repair the pipe and clean up the water.