Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but it can also be a challenging season for homeowners, especially when it comes to plumbing. Sub-freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to costly water damage and headaches. As your local Middletown plumber, Clark's Plumbing understands the unique challenges winter brings to your plumbing system. That's why we've put together these essential tips to help you prevent plumbing emergencies and keep your home safe and dry all season long.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
The most common winter plumbing emergency is frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to crack or burst. Here's how to prevent this from happening:
Insulate Your Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces, with pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape. This is a simple and effective way to protect your pipes from freezing.
Seal Air Leaks: Cold air can quickly freeze pipes. Seal any cracks or openings in your home's foundation and walls to prevent cold air from entering.
Let Faucets Drip: On extremely cold nights, let a faucet drip slightly. The continuous movement of water can prevent it from freezing inside the pipes.
Open Cabinet Doors: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on your faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Here's what to do:
Act Fast: If you suspect a frozen pipe, act quickly to thaw it before it bursts. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, call Clark's Plumbing for immediate assistance.
Apply Heat: Use a hairdryer or heat lamp to warm the frozen section of pipe. Start at the faucet end and work your way back. Never use an open flame, as this can damage the pipe and cause a fire.
Monitor the Pipe: As the pipe thaws, monitor it for any signs of cracks or leaks. If you notice any damage, turn off the water supply immediately and call our Middletown plumbers for plumbing repair services.
Winterize Outdoor Plumbing
Don't forget about your outdoor plumbing fixtures during the winter. Here's how to winterize them:
Drain Outdoor Faucets: Turn off the water supply to your outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water from the pipes. Disconnect and store garden hoses.
Insulate Outdoor Faucets: Cover outdoor faucets with insulated faucet covers to protect them from freezing.
Don't Forget About Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder in the winter to heat colder water. Make sure it's working efficiently by:
Insulating Your Water Heater: Wrap your water heater with an insulation blanket to reduce heat loss and lower your energy bills.
Flushing Your Water Heater: Sediment can build up in your water heater over time, reducing its efficiency. Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment and keep it running smoothly. If you're not sure how to do this, Clark's Plumbing can help.
Other Potential Winter Plumbing Problems
Clogged Drains: Holiday cooking can lead to clogged drains. Avoid pouring grease down the drain, and consider using a strainer to catch food particles. If you do experience a clog, Clark's Plumbing offers professional drain cleaning services.
By taking these precautions, you can help prevent winter plumbing emergencies and keep your home safe and comfortable all season long. Remember, if you do experience a plumbing problem, Clark's Plumbing is here to help. We offer 24/7 emergency services, and we're equipped to handle any plumbing issue you may encounter. Contact us today to schedule a service or to learn more about how we can help you protect your home this winter.