As the winter season spreads its icy grip across the country, households around the United States are ensuring their homes are prepared for the harsh weather conditions. From installing weatherstripping to cleaning gutters, homeowners are ticking off items on their winter preparation checklists. However, one issue that can often be overlooked is the potential damage caused by snowfall accumulation around plumbing systems in the house.
When the snow begins to pile up, plumbing fixtures and piping susceptible to freezing temperatures can cause a myriad of concerns that every homeowner should be aware of. Your home’s plumbing system is crucial to its functionality, and leaving it exposed to freezing winter weather is not a risk one should take. That’s why, in this article, we will share some tips on how to prevent damage to your plumbing system during winter.
Firstly, it’s important to note that water pipes are most likely to freeze when the outside temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature falls below this level, water inside pipes can freeze. This is concerning because water expands when it freezes, and if the pressure of the expanding water exceeds the pipes’ strength, the pipes may burst, causing significant damage to your home.
To avoid this, ensure that all exposed pipes, including those in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and outside walls, are wrapped with installation. Foam insulation is perhaps the most readily available and effective option for homeowners to keep exposed pipes from freezing. A good insulation blanket will help trap heat in the pipes, keeping them from freezing.
Another common winter plumbing issue is when snow and ice accumulate around outside drains, leading to clogged pipes. This buildup causes water to back up and potentially leak causing extensive water damage to your home. The easiest solution to avoid this is snow removal, ensure that snow piles are not blocking away drainage points. This may seem like a simple task, but it’s much easier to prevent snow buildup instead of having to deal with damaging water leaks later on.
It’s important to note that even if you wrap your pipes, and snow and ice are removed, other impacts of extreme cold can have serious implications for your plumbing system. For example, if power outages occur during an intense winter storm, heating systems can malfunction, and they’re left even just for a few hours; it could cause the indoor temperature to drop, which is dangerous for your plumbing system.
To mitigate this, ensure that your home is fitted with a backup generator and it is serviced regularly to avoid potential breakdowns in the middle of extreme winter conditions. Alongside your generator, it’s important that you have heat running within your home even if you aren’t home to avoid your indoor pipes from freezing.
In conclusion, winter is a season of treacherous elements of cold, snow, and ice, which can have devastating impacts on your home’s plumbing system. As a homeowner, it is crucial to take measures towards keeping your pipes and fixtures safe from freezing weather conditions. Simple steps like ensuring your pipes are insulated, removing snow around drains, and having a generator on standby can prevent potential damages to your home and your plumbing system. By taking proactive steps like these, homeowners can assure the uninterrupted functioning of their plumbing system during even the most extreme winter climates.
Remember, snow removal and maintenance of your plumbing system before the frosty cold hits can save you both financially and in energy costs. If you would like a professional plumber to help you with your winter preparation or if you already have a plumbing issue, call our experts at Ace Plumbing Repair today at (844) 711-1590, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
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