Plumbing emergencies are something many people don’t want to deal with because it can result in a lot of damages and cost a lot of money to deal with. This is why people take steps to reduce the risks of having to deal with an emergency. Winter is when many people have to start calling for emergency plumbing service. The good thing is you can reduce the risks before winter. Below are some tips that will go a long way in helping you when preparing your home for the winter to avoid a plumbing emergency. When you use the tips below, you will be able to see the difference.
Winterize outside faucets
The faucets are exposed to the elements, making it important to winterize them. Start by disconnecting and draining the water hoses, then shutting off the water supply to the outside spigots if there is a separate shutoff valve. If you have an outdoor kitchen faucet, use the same process. When the water left inside the faucet freezes, it will result in a buildup of pressure and this could result in the bursting of the pipe inside or underneath the home. Do this and you will not have to start dealing with burst pipes.
Insulation of water pipes in unheated areas
Water lines that run through the attic, crawl spaces, or garage are prone to freezing when there is a drop in temperature. Adding a layer of insulation is a good idea. You can wrap them using a heat tape, foam sleeves, or newspaper. If you are looking for even more protection, then ensure the garage door is shut down during the cold days to protect the pipes inside the garage.
Having the furnace checked
If the furnace to give up in the winter, then you will have to live without heat until the problem is fixed, and this will leave the water pipes vulnerable to freezing temperature. You should make sure that your heating system is in good condition before winter comes.
Opening cabinets
If outside is very cold, there are rooms in your home that will be colder than others, and when you leave the cabinet doors open, warm air will be able to circulate around the pipes. This can seem like a small thing, but it has a lot of impact.
Talking to a pro
It is a good idea to talk to a professional plumber who will help you with more tips to avoid problems during the winter.