From Water Main To Sewer Drain
Winterizing Homes
Many homeowners love the way their home looks in the winter months decorated for the holidays. However, the cold winter months can bring a lot of headaches for homeowners. The subzero temperatures can cause damage to the infrastructure of a house. Pipes can freeze during the winter if homeowners do not take specific precautions to avoid this. Frozen pipes can result in damage that is expensive to repair and that can leave homeowners without access to water. Living in Western NY, understanding the importance of winterizing pipes and the proper steps required to effective winterized pipes can save you time, money and stress.
Winter's Effect on A Home's Pipes
A home that is used during the winter will have a consistent circulation of fresh water. This circulating motion will more than likely prevent water from freezing. However, if you have crawl spaces or basements that have extensive pipe work, there may be risk of pipes freezing.
The reason that a frozen pipe can be so damaging is because of the nature of water itself. Water expands when it is frozen. If water fills a pipe and it freezes, the frozen water must have somewhere to go. Often the rapid expansion of the frozen water will cause the pipe to literally burst. Broken pipes can lead to extensive water damage that will ruin carpets, hardwood floors, plaster, and ceilings. This damage can be expensive to repair.
Effectively Winterizing Your Pipes
Two of the most common ways to winterize pipes involve the use of foam insulation or heat tape. Foam insulation comes in large tubes that can be fitted around the outside of a pipe. The thick foam protects the pipe from the harsh effects of winter. Heat tape is more expensive than foam insulation but more reliable. The wiring in the heat tape will heat your pipes just enough so that they will not freeze.
While pipe insulation can be completed by the homeowner, it is a good idea to hire professional assistance. Pipe winterization professionals can evaluate problem areas in your piping system and protect potential weak spots.
You have enough to worry about when it comes to caring for your home. Don’t let a problem that is as easy to prevent, such as frozen pipes, be another. Call Scott’s Plumbing at 585-384-5490 to help protect your pipes before a deep freeze.
TIPS for the Winter
Wrap Pipes
Pipes in the basement along an outer wall are in the most jeopardy of freezing. Burst pipes can become a serious issue. A plumber can help you insulate pipes against freezing. Heat tape and tubes made of fiberglass are the best bet for your pipes.
Leave Faucets Dripping
On a particularly cold night, you should leave the faucets dripping in the kitchen and bathrooms. It doesn't have to be a constant river of water, but if you leave the faucets open, you'll be less likely to have a pipe freeze in the basement.
Open Cabinets
If you have cabinets along an exterior wall, you should open them to allow heat into the space. Heat that reaches the pipes will stop them from freezing. Many kitchens have sinks and sink-base cabinets along an exterior wall. They are usually near a window too. Both of those can contribute to a cold pipe under the sink.
If you need help with winterizing your plumbing, give us a call and we can assist you. 585-384-5490
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