For some people, winter is the time of year for hot drinks, snowball fights, and spending time with loved ones. But, for thousands of homeowners across the nation, the cold winter months bring about a unique problem for their plumbing systems.
Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on the pipes inside of your home; this is why it is important to stay on top of any potential issues that may be caused by cold weather. Here are some valuable tips that can help keep your home free from leaks and flooding during the winter months:
Know Your Pipes and Valves
You’ll want to complete a thorough investigation of your plumbing system to ensure there are no areas at risk of freezing. This includes crawl spaces and attics.
Check to see all the pipes are heated and well insulated. If there are any sections exposed to the elements, they could be in danger of leaking or bursting.
Be Generous with Your Insulation
In the event you find piping exposed to the elements, wrap them tightly in insulation. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention. It’s worth a pound of cure.
Also, do you know where your main water shutoff valve is? Should a pipe actually burst, you’ll need to know how to shut off the water supply. This simple step could save your home from destructive flooding.
Look for Air Leaks
Take a look around for any air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, or pipes. Allowing cold air to come in around your interior pipes is a recipe for frozen disaster.
If you spot any leaks, use caulk or insulation to plug any of those holes. In the most severe weather, even a tiny pinprick can cause nearby pipes to freeze.
Don’t Be Afraid to Run Water
Should you find a section of exposed piping that you can’t insulate, run water until you find the right supplies. You only need a small stream of water to temporarily keep the pipes from freezing.
While this might waste water and could create a minor puddle, it beats dealing with a broken pipe or flooded house. Worst case scenario, know that Pure Plumbing always has an emergency plumber on standby.
Stay Ahead of Frozen Pipes
As we know, the number one goal is to prevent those frozen pipes. At night, you can expose the pipes in your home to the heat by keeping your cabinet doors open. This is particularly helpful for those under-sink pipes in the kitchen.
Should you ever come across a frozen pipe, try to thaw it out by using a hairdryer. Just be careful to avoid any open flames while doing this.
Insulate Your Pressure Vacuum Breaker
Every irrigation system in the valley must have a pressure vacuum breaker (pvb). So, before the winter hits, make sure you insulate your pvb.
This will require two items from your local hardware store:
- Foam insulation
- 10-mil or 20-mil tape
Then, you’ll only have to take two simple steps:
- Wrap the insulation around the supply line leading into and out of the unit.
- Wrap your tape around the foam insulation.
This should protect this important element of your irrigation system from those harsh winter elements.
Call Us Today
For more information on preparing your pipes for the harsh winter months or to speak with a knowledgeable Las Vegas plumber, give us a call today at (702) 710-7388.
We look forward to hearing from you!
