Winter is fast approaching, and while we are cooking in the kitchen or getting cozy by the fire, we may not realize how the temperature outside is affecting the unseen parts of our homes inside. Keeping your pipes from freezing in the winter is essential for maintaining your plumbing system and preventing a disaster. IdaPros Plumbing & Drains can provide regular maintenance and emergency plumbing services if you have a sudden emergency like a frozen pipe.
The Dangers of Frozen Pipes
If the snow is falling, the pipes could be freezing. It’s essential to protect your home from freezing pipes in the winter. If they burst, they can cause irreparable damage and costly repairs during the holidays.
When a pipe freezes, the water expands until it begins to crack and eventually bursts. Frozen pipes can cause significant damage and injury to you and your home if not appropriately addressed. Severe inconveniences like:
- Property damage on walls, ceilings, belongings or floors
- Injuries from electrocutions and flooding
- Unexpected repair costs
- Lack of water until a repair is made
- Health risks from exposure to mold or unsanitary water
Before winter, be sure to schedule a regular inspection before the cold weather affects the crucial plumbing in your home. A regular inspection and maintenance can save you and your family from the stress and financial strain of a frozen pipe that burst.
Preventative Measures to Protect Your Plumbing System
Understanding how to prevent frozen pipes and taking the necessary steps to take care of your home is the best way to ensure that you don’t have a watery surprise this holiday.
Insulate Pipes
The most effective way to prevent freezing pipes is insulation. Consider insulating pipes in unheated parts of your home, such as the attic, basement, or garage, to provide a buffer from the frigid temperatures.
Let Faucets Drip
Letting faucets drip into your sink will relieve the pressure in your pipes and this small measure can save your plumbing. Even a small drip of water can prevent ice from forming in your pipes.
Disconnect Garden Hoses
Prepping the outside is just as important when it comes to protecting your home. Disconnect, drain, store garden hoses or sprinkler systems outside, and turn off shutoff valves or water supply.
Seal Up Cracks and Gaps
Ensuring that your home doesn’t have any cracks or gaps in insulation not only maintains your home’s temperature but also ensures that your plumbing has a warm environment as well. Sealing any cracks with insulation or caulk will protect your pipes from the cold weather.
The Water Shut-off Valve is Your Friend
In the event of a plumbing emergency, you need to be able to shut off your water supply quickly. Do you know where your shut-off valve is and how to operate it? The time to learn that skill is now. If you’re unsure how to locate or operate your shut-off valve, don’t hesitate to ask and consult with your plumbing professionals.
What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze
If you believe your pipes have frozen, it’s essential to close your main shut-off valve and start working to locate the frozen pipe. As you begin to work on warming your pipes, you can call IdaPros Plumbing & Drains to get help.
If your pipes have frozen:
- Shut off your water
- Call a professional plumber
- Open faucets
- Locate the frozen pipe
- Apply heat gradually and slowly
- Monitor for leaks
Calling a professional plumber will ensure that you don’t accidentally do more damage to your pipes if there is an issue that you are unaware of.
Choose Idaho’s IdaPros Plumbing & Drains
Idaho has brutal winters, and when someone’s pipes freeze, it’s not uncommon that many others face the same issue. If you are facing frozen pipes this winter, it’s essential to call a professional plumber as soon as possible so that you do not have to wait without water for long. Idaho’s winters can be harsh, but a burst pipe can be harsher. Call IdaPros Plumbing & Drains at (208) 299-9611 to help care for your home this winter if you need emergency winter plumbing services.
