Winterizing Your Home To Prevent Plumbing Emergencies
It's quickly becoming that time of year. Winter. If you're like most of the homeowners in America, then you live in a part of the country that will be adversely affected by dropping temperatures, accumulated snow, and freezing storms. For you, it is very important to begin now to take the steps necessary to winterize your home before freezing temperatures settle in for a few months. One of the most important systems in your house requiring winterization is the plumbing system. Just a few preventative steps on your part can save you untold money and grief should a water pipe burst in sub-zero temperatures. By winterizing your plumbing system you can avoid the following:
- Frozen pipes
- Burst pipes
- Flooded house
- Extensive water damage
- Disruption in services
There are several other conditions that can damage the home, disrupt daily activities, and result in an expensive plumbing repair bill.
Tips to Winterize Your Plumbing System
Insulate: Protecting pipes against freezing temperatures is critical to ensuring they won't burst. Foam insulation is available in a variety of sizes, designed specifically to fit over all standard pipe sizes in your house. Simply measure the pipes and cut the plumbing insulation to size.
Heat Tape: This is a special warming tape that attaches to vulnerable pipes and then is plugged into a wall outlet. Once plugged in it becomes just warm enough to prevent frozen pipes. Heat tape is readily available at your local hardware store in the plumbing aisle.
All plumbing supplies can be purchased from a local plumber or from a hardware store.
Prepare Your Plumbing For Your Winter Vacation
Taking a winter vacation? If you're like millions of Americans, then you enjoy taking winter vacations. Before leaving town it's important to take the time to ensure you won't be coming back to a flooded, frozen house because of the plumbing. Turning off the water to your house is actually the most effective step you can take to prepare your plumbing if you're going to be away from home for an extended period of time. Simply turn off the main water valve and open the faucets. This will drain the water and pressure from the pipes. There is no need to call a plumber to turn off your water for you. You can do it yourself.
If you've ever come home to a burst water pipe or a water leak, then you know there's no more helpless feeling in the world. It's too late to undo the damage. At this point there's nothing left to do except to start the cleanup process. All this can be avoided by simply taking the time to winterize your plumbing system before winter sets in. Don't hesitate to call a local plumber for help winterizing your home. Many plumbing contractors will be happy to help you prevent any serious damage and costly repairs.