TIPS FOR COLD PLUMBING CARE: EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW. With the arrival of the cold season, the only concern is to keep away from colds and keep our home in the best conditions with a sound heating system and take some preventive measures. A cause for concern is the water pipes, especially those exposed to the Outside since if the water freezes inside, it can break the pipe and generate a significant headache. To avoid costly repairs, the best thing we can do is practice prevention, and for this reason, below, we will offer you some tips to take care of your plumbing in the cold.
But why do water pipes freeze and burst?
Perhaps 20 degrees or less when the temperature plummets will spell trouble for pipes with stagnant water. When it begins to freeze, the water expands, although it is not precisely the ice that can cause fissures and cracks in the tube, but rather the pressure force of the water that accumulates between the blockage and the closed faucet.
The key is to keep Warm:
In other words, don’t let the cold penetrate the home until it reaches the water pipes. We can take simple steps before winter hits, like caulking cracks in walls, ducts, and foundations. Likewise, the same must be done with windows, air ducts, electrical outlets, and other services. What to do with the water pipes through the closets and cabinets? It is advisable to open cabinets under the sink so that the warm air of the house circulates through there. Similarly, the exterior doors for entry and exit must permanently be closed; this is the case of the garage door that is usually not heated. TIPS FOR COLD PLUMBING CARE EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
These four tips guarantee plumbing care in the cold:
Fix leaks before winter Arrives:
If we suspect that there are leaks in the home, it is prudent to fix them before winter because later, it will be more complicated to make this type of repair.
How to start the diagnosis? Let’s check all the faucets in the laundry room, bathrooms and kitchens. If a puddle of water is found and the taps have not been used, we probably have a leak that is causing a leak.
If it’s within our power, let’s fix the problem right away. If the problem is complex or persists, it is time to call a plumber to get the pipes perfectly ready before the low-temperature season.
Use insulation on pipes exposed to the Outside:
If we live where temperatures drop sharply during the winter, the water will quickly freeze inside the pipes. That’s why to reduce that possibility; we can wrap some of the exposed pipes with a foam blanket (this can be purchased at most hardware stores). If you don’t have self-adhesive borders, we’ll use regular duct tape to secure the attached material.
Keep the water moving:
If the cold is extreme, a good practice is to leave the tap with water slightly dripping. What is sought in these cases is that the water current is in movement because, as we have said, when stagnant water can freeze the pipes. Leaving a small and constant thread of water leaking will always be less expensive than repairing the pipe.
Drain heaters, hoses, and pipes:
In places where the water is hard, sediments tend to accumulate, causing oxidation. The problem with this rust is that it can seep into the water we cook and drink with. If we have a heater, we should rinse it with an anti-lime solution before the winter season begins; this will help better protect against the cold and the effects of rust. If internal shut-off valves lead to other external taps, they must be closed, especially if we are going on vacation. However, this is an excellent time to inspect the sump pump and the well in which it rests. The problem is that in shallow temperatures, the pump can freeze up and stop working, causing unwanted splashes of water.
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