It’s getting to be that time of the year, again, where you have to put on a few extra layers before walking outside. For many in the North, the snowfall has already begun. With the snowfall comes freezing temperatures, with freezing temperatures comes plumbing issues if not properly cared for/prepped! Our plumbers at Moonlight Plumbing, a top plumber in Connecticut, want to help ensure your family’s plumbing is prepared for what this winter may bring.
Before Winter Plumbing Prep
Install Insulation in Your Pipes
If water in your plumbing freezes, it will expand causing the pipe to burst. That’s why it’s so important to insulate and, in general, prep pipes for freezing temperatures. The best option is to purchase specifically designed pipe insulation. It’s especially important for areas of your home that are unheated like an attic, garage or basement. If you need an urgent, temporary solution, you can always use duct tape and newspaper for a quick insulation fix.
Seal Any and All Cracks
You’ll want to be sure you check your home for cracks and openings to stop drafts from freezing water systems. Specific areas to check include window and door frames, cable holes, sill plates, interior and exterior walls, etc. These fixes will improve your home insulation, in general, for the brutal winter nights.
Apply Electrical Heating Tape to Pipers
This is an option for easily-accessible pipes. This tape can be applied directly to any pipe to help retain heat. Note there are two different kinds of heating tape that can be used; self-monitoring and manual. Self-monitoring has a sensor that will automatically turn on and off when it senses the pipe needs more or less heat. Manual requires you to plug it in when the pipes may need more heat.
*DANGER: Follow manufacturer’s instructions and safety procedures when using and applying electrical heating tape.
Seal Crawl Spaces
If you live in an area where the winters are quite brutal, you want to be sure to cover crawl spaces with foam pieces cut to the dimensions of the vents. Secure foam with duct tape to ensure best insulation.
During Winter Tips/Tricks
Open Cabinets Regularly
While this may sound like an odd suggestion, any warm air circulating around pipes will better help to retain heat within the pipes. Be sure to remove any harmful chemicals from the cabinet if accessible to small children or pets!
Keep the Garage Door(s) Closed
Obviously, this is really important if you have water lines that run through your garage. Even one night of letting the cold air rush in because of leaving it open can be enough to burst and ruin your pipes.
Keep Thermostat Consistent
It’s important to keep steady temperatures around the home as it will help prevent ice blockages. It may be tempting to lower the thermostat at night to save on the heating bill, but this puts your pipes at risk. Take our word for it, a burst pipe is much more expensive than a slightly larger heating bill!
Open Interior Doors to Keep Your Home at a Consistent Temperature
This goes hand in hand with the point above. A steady flow of a consistent temperature will only improve and ensure pipes stay warm.
Set Heat to at Least 55˚F When You’re Not Home
This message mostly goes out to the “snow birds.” While it’s easy to just think you can turn everything off to save on utilities while you’re gone for the next few months, that’s just not the case. Be sure to keep your thermostat set to 55˚F or above to help prevent a piping disaster.
Let the Faucets Drip
Last tip/recommendation is to let the faucets drip. This doesn’t mean to turn on all the faucets in your house for every winter night. But, when particularly bitter weather is headed your way, determine which faucets are fed by “exposed” pipes and keep a drip of water running throughout the bad weather. Since running water carries more internal energy, it will create a warmer pipe versus stagnant water.
Frozen Pipes? The Top Plumber in Connecticut Can Help!
If you happen to run into an unfortunate frozen or burst pipe issue, be sure to contact a professional IMMEDIATELY! Our Moonlight plumbers are available to assist with any plumbing emergencies anytime (24/7). Call the top plumber in Connecticut, Moonlight Plumbing, or email our team for more information/assistance. Stay safe and be prepared for the coming winter months!
