Smart Protective Plumbing Tips For Winter
Plumbing problems are the usual concern of homeowners when winter sets in. The cold weather conditions can cause adverse effect on the installed plumbing system in the entire house. When temperature starts to drop to freezing lows, it is time to get the house ready by paying attention to what can possibly become the reason for leaks and floods leading to more serious interior and exterior damages to the structure.
Homeowners can do many things to avoid such occurrence. Here are some fundamental plumbing tips for winter:
• Make sure to check the water pressure constantly during this time of the year. A restricted water flow is an indication of frozen pipes.
• Allow water to trickle slightly from the faucets during cold evenings to prevent freezing. Check the drainage system for clogging problems. Applying a weekly solution can decongest sinks and baths.
• Disconnect garden hoses from the faucet to avoid the formation of ice and the build-up of pressure in the water lines. This can be an eventuality during cold snaps that can cause the water line to leak or burst. Make sure all hose bibs are closed after draining all the water.
• Operate the shut-off valves to enable water to be completely drained from the pipes. These valves are typically located under the sinks, basements or near the water meter. It is wise to know where these valves are to be found in the house and to have them properly tagged for easy identification.
• Allow warm air to circulate in the house to keep pipes from freezing. The ideal temperature must be maintained above 55 degrees to ensure that pipes are kept warmer.
• Consider replacing hot water heater of more than ten years as they can already be corroded at the bottom and can be a possible cause of leak in the basement.
• For homes with 70 pounds per square inch of pressure or more, installing a pressure-reducing valve is advised to prevent plumbing lines from rupturing. A connection problem may be starting to brew up if banging sounds in the pipes are heard after shutting off a valve.
• Insulate all exposed pipes such as those installed in crawl spaces and exterior walls to protect them from cold icy winds. It is best to use pipe wrap or heat tape on pipes that are usually subjected to the harsh climate condition. One of the most helpful plumbing tips for winter is to close the crawl space vents and other openings to keep the water heater warm.
• Install inexpensive water alarms and other devices such as a flow stop valve that can sense water leaks. The automatic shutdown function can effectively prevent flooding in the house and can send immediate signal to alert homeowners into action.
• If the family is planning an out-of-town winter vacation, make sure to shut down the principal water supply. The least that can be done is to isolate some parts of the house that do not require continuous water supply during your absence.
• Keep the number of your trusted plumber handy for emergencies. However, it is also best to contact the plumber to undertake drain cleaning or sewer repair to get the water system ready for the coming of the cold days.
The cold season is not the time for homeowners to worry themselves on how to deal with plumbing problems as these can be prevented or controlled by applying these easy and practical plumbing tips for winter. All it takes is to spend some time to check the plumbing system to find out if something is bound to spoil your winter fun.
