Use These Pro Tips To Make Sure the Home’s Pipes are Ready for Winter!

Autumn is already halfway over, and temperatures drop faster than the changing leaves. Soon, winter will be in full swing, so it’s time for homeowners to protect their plumbing systems against the dangers of freezing temperatures. One of the most common problems caused by cold weather is frozen water pipes - and it can also be among the most destructive. So this article will share the most effective ways homeowners can prevent freezing pipes - and why it’s so important.

The Dangers of Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are dangerous for several reasons. When the water inside a supply pipe freezes, faucets, and other fixtures will lose water pressure, which is inconvenient. Worse, the ice will also expand inside the pipe, which can damage the pipe or even cause it to burst.

Burst pipes can unleash a torrent of water into the home and cause extensive damage and flooding in a very short period. The consequences of bursting pipes can include water damage, mold growth, foundation problems, compromised structural integrity of the home, and an increased risk of electric shock.

If a burst pipe goes undetected and the home’s main water valve isn’t shut off immediately, the scale of the damage can be devastating. This usually occurs when homeowners are out of town for the holidays. This is why it’s so vital that homeowners take steps to protect their pipes.

How Pipe Insulation Helps Prevent Freezing

The most powerful tool homeowners can use to prevent freezing pipes is pipe insulation. There are several different types and materials to choose from, ranging in price and effectiveness for specific applications. Polyethylene foam pipe insulation is the most popular due to its low cost and ease of installation. Other materials include rubber, fiberglass, mineral wool, and “foam and foil” pipe covering. These simply wrap around the home’s water supply pipes, forming a barrier against the air around them.

On top of preventing freezing, pipe insulation has various other benefits. It can help keep hot water hotter as it travels through the pipes, which can help homeowners save money on energy by reducing the amount of hot water they need to use and even allowing them to turn down the water heater’s thermostat. Pipe insulation can also prevent condensation on cold water pipes during warmer months, reducing the risk of rust and corrosion.

More Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Installing pipe insulation is the best way homeowners can protect their pipes in the winter, but it’s not the only way to reduce the freezing of pipes. Homeowners can also add insulation to areas where pipes are located, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces, to help regulate the temperature around the pipes.

On particularly cold nights, it’s also a good idea to leave faucets on at a slow drip. This will keep water moving (making it less likely to freeze) and help alleviate pressure in the pipes to prevent bursting. It’s also a good idea to keep the home’s heater on so that more radiant heat can reach pipes in the home’s perimeter walls. If homeowners go out of town, it’s best to leave the home’s thermostatatn at 55 degrees or higher to keep the home warm enough to prevent freezing.

Finally, homeowners would do well to have a professional plumber winterize theirhomese. This involves draining and shutting off water to outdoor plumbing that cannot be insulated, such as irrigation systems and hose bibs - which virtually eliminates the risk of frozen pipes in the most vulnerable sections of the home’s plumbing.

Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

The friendly experts at Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning have served the Danbury community for over 30 years. As a BBB-accredited local business with a reputation for reliability, quality, and outstanding customer service, it’s no surprise that Expertise.com voted them “Best in Danbury” in 2021. They offer financing, up-front pricing, and a rewarding membership program. Carmine’s NATE-certified technicians are also available 24/7 for emergency service, so call them any time for winterization and burst pipe repair in Danbury, CT!

Preventing Broken Pipes During the Rainy Season

Winter is typically thought of as the hardest season on your plumbing. Indeed, cold temperatures can cause major plumbing problems. However, spring is also hard on your home’s plumbing system. The transition from the cold-to-warm saturated ground causes external forces that can do more plumbing damage than most people expect.

Drains that are cracked by the movement of the subsoil can open up and allow debris in, unfortunately, this can lead to a clog. Plumbing vents can become clogged by wind-blown debris or animal activity, causing sewer gas to enter the home.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage a burst pipe might do. Furthermore, with a little careful planning, you can prepare for any plumbing emergencies you might face.

Heavy Rains Mean Excess Water Pressure

Water pressure can build up inadvertently in the soil around your home’s foundation and pipes. As the soil saturates with repeated spring rains the soil expands and becomes heavy. The repeated cycles of expansion and contraction put lots of stress on the joints of your plumbing.

Over time, the joints become weakened and can lead to a total burst if the waterline has pressure on it. Furthermore, the heaviness of the mud sitting on top of the underground pipes can stress it to the point of failure.

The expanding soils can also be hard on your home's foundation. As your home settles down into the surrounding subsoil your pipes can become stressed and crack, leading to a slab leak. Slab leaks are particularly disruptive because of the invasiveness of the repair process.

How to Avoid Burst Pipes

There are a few things homeowners can do to prepare for and prevent pipe bursts. Firstly, verifying pressure in your pipes is the most important thing you can do. Water pressure is regulated to keep it at a safe level.

However, the regulators can fail and allow too much pressure to flow through your pipes. That, coupled with stressed pipes, can lead to a burst.

Having your pipes inspected is another step you can take for preventative maintenance. During an inspection, note the location and material of your pipes. A plumber might even open up a section of your plumbing system to inspect for internal damage to the pipes.

Expert Repairs for Burst Pipes

If you find that you have had a pipe burst, calling a professional plumber will most likely be necessary. Most plumbing companies have people on call so they can respond to your call immediately. Once onsight, a plumber will locate the leak.

Leaks can be located visually if it occurs above the slab of your home. If the leak is below your slab, plumbers have specialized microphones that can detect the leak through the slab. Plumbers will also work to determine the root cause of the burst.

Modern plumbing materials take into account the fact that expansion and contraction stresses out pipes. If the plumber discovers your pipes are made of older, stressed material, they may recommend repiping a section of your plumbing. This will prevent spring pipe bursts permanently.

About Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has a team of plumbers serving Danbury, CT. Their services include burst pipe repair, repiping and bathroom remodeling. Team members are available 24 hours a day to quickly respond to your needs.

Tag: pipes

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter