When winter approaches, addressing vulnerabilities in your plumbing system becomes crucial. Frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter and can result in costly damage. When temperatures drop below freezing, the residual water in pipes can freeze, causing expansion. The water expansion can lead to burst pipes and massive water leaks after the thaw. Learn some tips on winterizing your plumbing to prevent issues during the cold months.
Insulate Your Pipes
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes. Pipe insulation is available in foam, wrap, heat tape, or cable varieties. You especially need insulation on pipes in exposed areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, exterior walls, and garages.
Foam Pipe Insulation
Foam pipe insulation sleeves are affordable and easy to install. Plumbers can easily cut these sleeves to match your pipe length.
Heat Tape and Cables
Pipes with a high risk of freezing may require more protection than foam. Heat tape or cables use electricity to keep the pipes warm and prevent the water inside from freezing.
Pipe Wrap Insulation
Pipe wrap, made from foam or fiberglass, wraps easily around your pipes, creating a barrier that insulates them and prevents freezing. The flexible wrap ensures you can cover all sections of your pipes, including the bends.
Leave Your Faucets Dripping
Leaving faucets slightly open during cold snaps can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. When water is allowed to flow continuously, even at a slow drip, it becomes more difficult for it to freeze within your pipes. When water does freeze, it expands, and if it has no room to expand, this can lead to burst pipes. A slight drip in faucets connected to pipes in colder areas, like those near exterior walls or in unheated spaces, can help prevent ice from forming and blocking the pipes.
Turn your faucets to a slow drip overnight or when you plan on being away for a few days when temperatures are expected to fall below freezing in American Fork to help protect your plumbing system.
Locate Your Shut-Off Valves
Knowing where your main shut-off valve is located is essential to limit water damage during a plumbing emergency. The shut-off valve allows you to cut off the incoming water supply to your home. If your home has a basement, the main shut-off is usually on the wall closest to where the water line enters from the outside. Alternatively, for houses without basements, it is typically found in the utility closet, laundry area, or garage.
Ensure a clear path to your shut-off valve and that family members know where it is in case you are not home when your water needs to be turned off. You should also test it to make sure it turns easily and fully closes. A professional plumber can fix or replace the valve if necessary.
Prepare Your Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets and pipes connected to them are even more vulnerable to freezing than indoor ones. There are a few steps you can take to prevent freezing.
Disconnect and Drain Your Hoses
Drain your hoses as soon as the temperatures start growing colder. Do not leave your hoses connected to outdoor faucets. Water left inside can freeze and expand, risking damage to the faucet and connecting pipe.
Drain the Pipes Leading to Outdoor Faucets
Most homes have a bleeder valve on the pipes leading to outdoor faucets inside the basement to drain them. They can be opened by turning the knob counterclockwise. Make sure you have a bucket ready to catch any dripping water. After draining the pipes, open your outdoor faucets slightly so any remaining water can expand without damaging the fixture during a freeze.
Contact the Pros
Turn to us for pipe repair, repiping, leak detection, and more! We have proudly served the residents of American Fork, UT and the surrounding areas since 1910. In addition to being expert plumbers, we install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
