Get the Pipes Ready for Winter

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Thawing Frozen Pipes

November 9, 2020 | | , ,

How To Protect the Home From a Burst Pipe This Winter

As complex as the plumbing system is, any small problem can disrupt someone’s daily routines. Even if it’s a small problem, like a leaky faucet, it can still drive homeowners crazy and always takes time to fix. However, emergency plumbing problems are even more challenging to deal with. Burst pipes fit into this “severe” category. They are one of the worst plumbing emergencies in a home, and their favorite season is approaching quickly. Winter is the most common time of year for burst pipes. 

When the weather gets colder, the pipes are more likely to freeze, which forces the pipes to expand the burst. Homeowners should recognize the dangers of pipe bursts and how much damage they can cause to prevent this plumbing emergency from taking place.

The Dangers of Burst Pipes

The biggest danger of burst pipes is the massive amount of damage they can bring to a home. Not only does the pipe itself need to be replaced, but burst pipes can spray or leak water all over the room. It can damage the walls, the floor, the cabinets, the furniture, and even cause electrical hazards if there are appliances nearby.

With so much damage done, there needs to be a lot of repair work. And along with a lot of repair work comes much expense and time to make those repairs. If homeowners don’t want to deal with the hassle and the expense of a burst pipe, they should take a few preventative measures to avoid this common problem.

Pipe Insulation Could Help

Pipe InsulationSo what are the best ways to prevent burst pipes? One great preventative measure homeowners can take is insulating their pipes. As mentioned, pipe bursts are most common during the winter months. The water in the pipes can freeze, forcing the pipes to expand and crack.

Pipe insulation prevents burst pipes because it prevents the water from freezing in the first place. Pipe insulation is a thick tube that wraps around the outside of the pipes. By adding an extra layer around the pipes, the pipes stay warmer. As a result, the water flowing through the pipes stays warmer too. It helps the pipes last longer, and keeps the home well-serviced.

More Ways To Prevent Burst Pipes

If homeowners aren’t ready to invest in adding pipe insulation to all of their pipes, there are a few other easy ways to prevent pipes from freezing and, ultimately, bursting.

Burst Pipe Prevention

  • Keep a higher temperature: Maintaining a warmer temperature throughout the house prevents pipes from freezing and bursting. A good rule of thumb is always keeping the temperature above 55°F, especially in the basement where temperatures are naturally a bit cooler.
  • Keep the faucets running: If water is flowing, it has a hard time freezing. Homeowners should try to run all of the faucets in the house regularly. 
  • Keep cabinets open: Leaving the cabinets open allows warm air to move into the cabinets and reach the pipes sitting behind them. This is especially helpful if homeowners are on a trip or are gone for an extended period.

These are a few easy methods that every homeowner can use to prevent burst pipes. However, if a pipe does burst, call a professional plumber as soon as possible to get the problem fixed before it causes more damage.

About A Plus Drain Cleaning & Plumbing of Idaho

There’s no one better than the pros at A Plus Drain Cleaning & Plumbing of Idaho when it comes to repiping and pipe insulation. They have provided quality service to all their neighbors in Nampa, ID since 2009, and hope to do so for many years to come. Contact them today for expert piping services.

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