Frozen pipes are always a serious problem, one that will become more common as the weather gets colder. Frozen pipes can burst and cause severe water damage that can cost you thousands of dollars to repair, on top of replacing the destroyed pipe. A good plumber in Pittsburgh will be able to help you winterize your pipes so you won’t have to deal with this problem, but there are some simple things that you can do as a homeowner to keep your pipes from freezing this winter.
1. Know Which of Your Pipes are Prone to Freezing
Just about any of the pipes in your home can freeze if the weather gets cold enough, but some are more prone to freezing than others. These include pipes on the exterior of your home, pipes in the exterior walls, and any exposed pipes in unheated areas of the home. There are plenty of Pittsburgh plumbers and companies offering plumbing repair services that can help you identify the pipes that could potentially be a problem, but in any case you should find these pipes and keep a close eye on them.
2. Wrap Vulnerable Pipes
Pipes that are prone to freezing can be protected with some insulation sleeves or another form of wrapping. Foam rubber and fiberglass sleeves can be found at just about any hardware store, but sometimes a thick towel will do in a pinch. Contact a plumber in Pittsburgh if you don’t know what pipes to wrap or aren’t comfortable doing the job yourself.
3. Turn on Your Taps
Running water doesn’t freeze, so simple having your taps open will keep your pipes from freezing and bursting. You don’t (and shouldn’t) turn on all of your faucets all the way when you’re not home; a slow drip or trickle will be enough in the extreme cold.
4. Open the Cabinet Under Your Sinks
The cabinets underneath your bathroom and kitchen sinks usually contain the plumbing for these faucets. Your cabinets do a good job of keeping your exposed pipes hidden when you have guests, but they also shield them from warm air. When it gets particularly cold outside, open your cabinets to let warm air circulate around your plumbing.
5. Drain All of Your Pipes
If you’re going to be away from home for a while this winter, drain all of the water from your pipes to keep them from freezing. All you have to do for this is to shut off your water pipes and open all of your faucets. The water will drain from your plumbing, and you won’t have to worry about coming home to any burst pipes.
6. Get Rid of Drafts in Your Home
A drafty home in the winter is definitely uncomfortable, but it is also really bad for your plumbing. If you notice any drafts around your windows, doors or cracks in your home’s foundation, seal them up with some caulk or weather stripping. Not only will it help keep you and your family warm this winter, but it will keep your pipes from freezing.
Don’t let pipe bursts blow your budget this winter and stay on top of all your home plumbing repairs and maintenance by contacting Mister Sewer. Our Pittsburgh plumbers have over 25 years of experience providing Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities with quick, courteous and effective plumbing repairs. No matter what your plumbing repair needs are, make sure the job is done right the first time by calling Mister Sewer today!