Are Your Pipes Ready for The Cold Weather?
There is plenty that homeowners can do to help prevent frozen and burst pipes this winter. That said, one must first know the dangers associated with frozen pipes because it affects more than just the plumbing system. If left untreated, it can potentially ruin the holiday festivities in the coming months. For more information regarding the dangers of frozen pipes and how to prevent them, continue reading below.
Frozen Pipes Are Dangerous!
Sometimes burst pipes can be hard to locate or even notice. It’s easy for homeowners to get busy and not know there is a leak in their plumbing system until there are multiple burst pipes. That is one of the dangers associated with a burst pipe; once the problem occurs, it’ll only get worse until it’s fixed.
There are other dangers of a burst pipe, including:
- Increased risk of basement flooding
- Ceilings, walls, and floors could get damaged
- Appliance and furniture could get ruined from flooding
- Could lead to foundation shift
A foundation shift is the absolute worst-case scenario. Even if the homeowner has to replace their entire outdoor piping system, it still isn’t as damaging as a foundation shift. Once the foundation of a home begins to shift, it is nearly impossible to regain the structural integrity the home once had.
Tips To Prevent Freezing
Another great way to protect pipes this winter is to make sure they don’t freeze. This might initially sound hard, but it is quite easy. Perhaps the hardest part is remembering to do everything before it gets too cold outside.
Below are some common tips to help prevent pipes from freezing this winter:
- Let the water slowly drip out of the faucets in the home
- Keep the thermostat above 55 degrees Fahrenheit
- Have the pipes insulated
- The more consistent the temperature is within the home, the better
Piping insulation is a great long-term protection that homeowners can invest in. it essentially works by allowing the piping system to retain heat longer while simultaneously keeping cold air out. This also improves efficiency and lower monthly costs because the water won’t take as much energy to heat up.
The Best Types of Pipe Insulation
It may come as a surprise, but there are many different types of piping insulation, including:
- Glass Wool
- Mineral Wool
- Rigid Foam
- Polyethylene
- Flexible Elastomeric Foams
- Self-Seal Rubber Foam
Self-Seal Rubber Foam is notorious for being the greatest value overall. Not only is it efficient and relatively inexpensive, but it is also more durable than other types of pipe insulation.
Homeowners need to remember that just because it is called self-seal doesn’t mean it should be done without a professional nearby. Plumbing systems require licensed and experienced professionals to be maintained and repaired properly.
B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C Keeps Families Going
St. Michael, MN homeowners have trusted B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C for years because they work hard and get the job done right the first time. Homeowners also don’t ever have to worry if a pipe bursts in the middle of the night because they offer 24-hour burst pipe services!
