Learn How to Protect Your Plumbing During the Fall and Winter Months
For anybody residing in Minnesota, it’s crucial to grasp the impact of freezing temperatures on plumbing. During the chilly winter months, it’s only natural for homeowners to prioritize their comfort and safety. Unfortunately, many people often neglect their plumbing system as they are too focused on other things.
Failing to pay attention to your plumbing system can cause many issues. One of the worst things that can happen is frozen pipes, which have a knack for bursting and causing all sorts of trouble. Water damage is no joke, too—it can be dangerous, disastrous, and a real pain to fix.
With a little know-how, avoiding plumbing issues is a breeze. First, you must know that getting your plumbing ready for winter begins in the fall.
Wrap Your Pipes With Insulation
Is your home’s water pipe insulation up to par? If your pipes have little to no insulation, they might freeze. Among the various winter plumbing tips on this list, it’s crucial to prioritize checking your pipe insulation. Subpar insulation can result in a burst pipe, which can be quite an expensive headache to fix.
Begin by examining the water lines on the outer walls and in the unheated sections of your house. Unheated areas of homes typically include attics, crawl spaces, and garages. If you discover no insulation in these areas, you want to insulate pipes before you do anything else. Additionally, if the insulation is old and falling off the pipes, it’s time to replace it. Fixing the insulation issues in the fall is the best way to avoid freezing pipes.
Open Cabinet Doors and Don’t Turn off the Heat
You’re probably curious about what else you can do to protect your plumbing besides insulating pipes. Fortunately, there are plenty of other things you can do. One easy one is to open the cabinets beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Are you wondering how leaving your cabinets open will prevent a pipe burst? Opening the cabinet doors allows warm air to flow freely through the cabinets, and the surrounding pipes are susceptible to cold temperatures. So, with this nifty trick, you can keep the water flowing smoothly and avoid any freezing mishaps.
Heating a home can break the bank because it often leaves many people looking into ways to save money on heating costs. One thing a lot of people consider is dialing down the thermostat and investing in some cozy blankets. While it might sound like a good idea, it’s the worst for your pipes. It’s best to keep your thermostat above 55 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent those pesky pipes from freezing.
Remove Hoses From Outside Faucets
Remember your outdoor faucets when working on getting your home ready for winter. Make sure you disconnect and store your outdoor hoses properly to avoid any unexpected plumbing disasters. When temperatures dip, be wary of the water inside your hoses. It has a sneaky tendency to freeze, wreaking havoc on your plumbing system. Don’t let the cold catch you off guard!
Fortunately, getting hoses ready for winter is a breeze. Just turn off the water to your outdoor faucets, disconnect the hoses from their spigots, and drain any remaining water. Secure your hoses, like your shed, to ensure they’re all set for the next season.
About B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C
B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C is a family-owned business that has provided quality plumbing, heating, and cooling services to St. Michael, MN, and surrounding areas since 1982. They also have memberships with the Minnesota Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors, the Better Business Bureau, and many others. Call today to schedule plumbing services in St. Michael, MN!
