While our average temperatures don’t always approach below freezing, it has been known to happen. And as such, it’s important to be prepared and be aware of the problems your home can run into due to this—such as the possibility of frozen pipes.
When winter comes, professional plumbers around the country are well prepared for emergency calls in regards to frozen or burst pipes. We are, of course, happy to help with quick plumbing repairs to minimize your inconvenience as much as possible. However, you should know that there are steps you can take to prevent frozen pipes from impacting you at all. Keep reading for more information.
Protecting Your Outdoor Plumbing
It makes sense that outdoor plumbing tends to suffer the most due to cold weather. Even if we get minimal to no snow this winter, chances are you aren’t going to be using your sprinkler system or outdoor faucets before spring. So, shut off water to those lines and open the outlets to drain all of the water out. This will protect your outdoor pipes throughout winter.
Don’t Neglect Your Indoor Plumbing
Your indoor plumbing should be prioritized as well as winter approaches. We can assist you with any of the steps outlined below, but wanted to share with you what can be done to fully prep your pipes for the cold.
- Add insulation to your plumbing pipes that are in trouble areas—inside walls that are exposed to outdoor elements, or running through a part of your house that doesn’t get much heat, like your basement.
- Check all the areas in your home from which piping emerge. These spaces are subjected to air leaks, which can make nearby pipes very cold. Be sure to seal the cracks around these holes by filling them with insulation and then using caulking to properly seal the empty spots around the pipes.
- On nights that temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, you might want to think about running a trickle of water from your outlets of concern. This isn’t something that we recommend doing on a regular basis, however it does in fact help prevent your pipes from freezing, and could be worth considering for your home.
For expert professional plumbing services throughout Tumwater, WA and beyond, contact Brooks Plumbing Co. today.
