Knowhow-Now Article

Tips Regarding Your Plumbing During The Winter Months

As the cold weather arrives, so do all of the plumbing issues that many people can have. What can you do to minimize the effects of these particular issues during this time? Continue reading so that you can learn more about some great tips regarding your plumbing during the winter months.

Tip: To prevent frozen pipes, always keep the living spaces in your house above freezing, even if you aren't home. Any exposed pipes need to be insulated against the outdoor temperatures.

During the winter time, it is definitely noticeable sometimes that water pressure can diminish. If this is the case, then you need to definitely take action. It is possible that your pipes are freezing up, and there may be other things helping to block the pipes as well. It is a good idea to have those pipes cleaned before the winter time hits. Any clogs or half clogs are going to completely make things much worse on you if your pipes start to freeze.

Tip: If one of your water pipes freezes, turn on the tap to the faucet nearest the pipe so that the water has somewhere to exit as the pipe thaws. Letting the water drain out will relieve pressure in the frozen pipe, which will reduce the chances of it bursting and damaging your home.

Of course, you have to worry about your pipes busting during the winter if you don't take proper care of them. Pipes that are exposed should be insulated. This includes any faucets on the outside of the house and anything that is exposed even the least little bit. Insulation will keep these pipes from freezing.

Tip: If the water in your toilet is low along with the toilet being clogged, pour some extra water in the bowl to make the plunger effective again. Once the water is lower, do this again.

Another trick you can do during the winter months is to be sure that you let water drip through the faucets in your home. You don't want to let it run too much because that wastes water and is not as effective. Slowly dripping continuously is the best option. This also helps prevent your pipes from freezing, which is by now you understand the main problem for your plumbing during the winter months.

Tip: Every so often, inspect the floor around your toilet and see if it has gone soft. Stand over the toilet, then rock it back and forth to see if any weakening in the floor has occurred.

Garden hoses shouldn't be left attached to faucets because this is going to ruin them and in turn could start freezing up the pipes as well. Garden hoses left outside to freeze during the winter by themselves when not attached isn't good either, and of course you should be putting all equipment up during these times so it's kept nice for when spring arrives.

Tip: Keep your garbage disposal clean to make sure it lasts for awhile. By having a regular cleaning routine, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, dish soap and even pits from a cherry, your disposal can be kept smelling fresh and running smoothly for many years to come.

Have you noticed pipes and plumbing and perhaps even a water heater in your garage? Many people don't think about their garage, and freezing weather can catch them off guard. You need to make sure you close your garage doors during the winter months. If you don't, you could wake up one day or go out a couple hours later during the day and have major issues to fix.

Tip: Always use cold water when your garbage disposal is running. Cold water helps the blades stay sharp and keeps the disposal running smoothly.

While you want to cut back on your energy bill, you're going to have to keep your house at a certain temperature. This shouldn't be a problem when you're at home because the standard temp to keep your plumbing okay inside your home is about 56 degrees. Surely, you're going to at least do that. But, what about when you're not at home? Make sure you keep the house at a decent temperature.

Taking care of your pipes during the winter time is very important. Your plumbing issues that can occur can literally cost you thousands if you don't take the necessary precautions. Keep in mind the tips that you've read here so you can play it safe.

Comments
Order by: 
Per page:
 
  • There are no comments yet
   Comment Record a video comment
 
 
 
     
Related Articles
“Home sweet home.” Does that describe how you feel about the house or apartment in which you live? Or is your current housing situation simply a place you dwell out of necessity; a place to store your clothes, bathe, eat meals and lay your head at night? If the...
30.05.2014 · From TheAuthor
Homeowners never have to dig deep into their pockets to improve the value of their house. They can make significant improvements on an affordable budget, it just takes a bit of skill and decision-making in deciding which projects are the most equitable to the value of...
30.05.2014 · From TheAuthor
Chandeliers typically bring to mind images of wealth and grandeur. Once reserved for high-end homes, these traditional light fixtures have recently gotten a modern makeover. Mini-chandeliers, a current trend in the decorating industry, capture the grace and elegance...
29.05.2014 · From TheAuthor
The exterior of your home says a lot about your personal style. Whether the architecture of your house is modern and minimal or detailed and extravagant, choosing the right paint colors can accentuate key details while at the same time creating a beautiful backdrop...
28.05.2014 · From TheAuthor
Home improvement projects always start out fun and with a great vision of what will come. Perhaps there is a new child on the way and the parents want to add an extra room to their house or expand then nursery. (...)
27.05.2014 · From TheAuthor
Ads
Article Info
754 Views
0 Subscribers
All Articles by TheAuthor
Sharing Is Good!
Rate
0 votes