Winterize Your Pipes With These Pro Tips!
Winter is fast approaching, and it’s sure to bring longer nights and lower temperatures - as if it weren’t cold enough already! Of course, that just means families will need to crank up the heat in their homes and cozy up by the fire. Besides being a necessity, that’s just one of the great joys of the holiday season.
But even while the family is nice and toasty, some parts of the home’s plumbing system might not be so lucky. Many of a home’s water supply lines are located in areas that get exposed to extreme cold. If a section of pipe freezes, it can burst and wreak all kinds of havoc in the home that need repiping. So keep reading to learn how to prevent frozen pipes this winter!
The Dangers of Burst Pipes
Before getting into the methods of burst pipe prevention, it’s important to understand how it occurs and just how destructive it can be. Most people are aware that water expands when it turns to ice. When this happens inside a pressurized water supply line, the expansion puts stress on the pipe wall and causes the pipe to become overpressurized. These two factors are what cause the pipe to rupture.
When a supply pipe bursts, it can unleash a powerful fountain of water. This can cause flooding, water damage, erosion under the foundation, and electrical problems. If the rupture occurs in the attic or a perimeter wall, it can cascade down throughout the home and do extensive damage. The consequences can be devastating, particularly if the deluge goes unnoticed for a long period (like it might when homeowners go out of town).
Pipe Insulation To the Rescue
As scary a prospect as frozen pipes are, there are ways to protect against them. The most practical and long-term solution is pipe insulation. Just as the name suggests, this involves wrapping the supply pipes (both hot and cold) in insulative sleeves. These sleeves, usually made from fiberglass or foam rubber and anywhere from ½-inch to 2 inches thick, help the pipes retain their heat energy.
Any pipes located in vulnerable (uninsulated) areas such as garages, basements, attics, and crawlspaces should be insulated. This vital part of a home’s winterization can be done by a professional plumber or the homeowners themselves.
Other Ways To Help Prevent Burst Pipes
Pipe insulation isn’t the only way to protect the home’s supply lines from the cold - and in Canada’s harsh winters, it may not always be enough. Many homeowners opt to insulate the pipes as well as the spaces they’re in. Others may prefer to wrap particularly vulnerable pipes in heat tape - a type of electrical cable that produces a modest amount of heat.
Homeowners can also open cabinets and cupboards (especially on perimeter walls) to allow more warmth to reach the pipes in the walls. Faucets should be turned on to a slow drip, which will help prevent pressure buildup in the pipes and keep the water moving. It’s also a good idea to have the home’s outdoor plumbing (hose bibs, irrigation system, etc.) turned off and drained for the winter. This can be performed by a local plumber. And while they’re at the house, it couldn’t hurt to ask if they offer emergency burst pipe repair - just in case!
About Vetted HVAC Services
For years, vetted HVAC Services has been handling the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical needs of Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Their courteous, trustworthy experts are available 24/7 for emergencies. Vetted offers up-front pricing, financing, a rewarding membership plan, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on HVAC services.
