Three Main Ways to Protect the Plumbing System This Fall and Winter
There are many ways homeowners in Alaska have to do things a little differently from people in other parts of the country. A prime example is dealing with the cold temperatures that come in fall and winter. While people living farther south may not need to worry about the first freeze of the season until late fall or early winter, Alaskans need to start thinking about it as soon as fall hits.
Failing to prepare for freezing temperatures can cause serious and expensive problems, such as burst pipes due to frozen water. Luckily, there are three simple ways to protect plumbing this fall and winter! Read on to learn about them.
Make the Pipes Cozy With Insulation
Insulating pipes is one simple and effective way to prevent freezing and bursting. However, not all pipes need to be insulated—only the ones exposed to frigid temperatures. These are typically the pipes found in the garage, attic, unfinished basement, or crawl space. Without the heat provided by the home’s heating system, these pipes are more likely to freeze when temperatures drop.
Pipe insulation isn’t hard to come by, and it’s very easy to install because it’s designed to fit snugly over the pipes. The important thing is to make sure all the vulnerable pipes are insulated so there are no surprises. By hiring a professional plumbing company to insulate the pipes, homeowners can skip the headache and ensure no vulnerable pipes are skipped!
Allow the Heat to Protect the Pipes
Another way to prevent frozen pipes is to allow the home’s heating system to do some heavy lifting. However, it’s important to ensure the heat can reach the pipes. A good way to do this is to open up the cabinets under the sinks around the house to let the heat reach the pipes.
While this may not be needed if people are in the home and the heater is working well, it should often be done when the homeowners are out of town. Leaving the heater on and the temperature at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above can keep the home and the pipes warm enough so they don’t burst — as long as the cabinets are open!
Remember to Disconnect Hoses Before Temps Drop
When protecting vulnerable pipes, homeowners shouldn’t forget about their hoses and spigots. If the hose is left connected to the spigot, there’s a good chance that water is still in the system somewhere. Sometimes, this is in the hose itself, and sometimes, it’s in the connector between the spigot and the hose. If this water freezes, it can expand and cause breakage.
To avoid this, disconnect any hoses and drain the water out of them. If possible, shut off the water to these spigots to protect them from the cold. Once the water is off, open all the faucets to remove any remaining water in the pipes. If it’s impossible to shut the water off, homeowners should consider getting insulated faucet jackets to prevent freezing pipes.
About Discount Mechanical Heating & Plumbing
Veteran-owned Discount Mechanical Heating & Plumbing has been serving Anchorage, AK, with pride since 2004! They offer 24/7 emergency service and no surprises, flat-rate pricing. They are fully licensed and insured and use the latest technology to complete the job quickly and efficiently. Contact them today for weatherproofing and pipe insulation in Anchorage, AK.
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