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Ensure the Winter Elements Stay Outside and Away from your Pipes!
Need Help Winterizing Your Pipes
7 Ways to Protect Your Plumbing in the Winter.
It’s essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your plumbing system from the harsh cold and potential damage. Follow these tips.
Pipes situated in areas without heating, such as the attic, crawl space, or garage, are at a higher risk of freezing, particularly during temperature drops. If your kitchen sink or any bathroom sinks are located along an exterior wall, these pipes are also susceptible to freezing. Many individuals keep cabinet doors closed, which hinders heat from reaching these pipes. You can acquire insulation materials at your nearby hardware or plumbing supply store.
Start by disconnecting your hoses and making sure they’re completely drained. For an added layer of protection, consider turning off the water supply to the outdoor faucet and allowing any residual water in the pipes to escape.If you’re concerned about hose bib freezing issues, RCP is here to help. We offer shut-off valves that can quietly resolve potential problems. Even so-called “frost-free” hose bibs can cause trouble if hoses are left attached. So, be cautious and ensure your outdoor plumbing remains trouble-free during the colder months.
During those bone-chilling nights, here’s a homeowner-friendly tip to protect your pipes: turn on the faucets along exterior walls and let them drip a bit. This might seem counterintuitive, but it works wonders.
Why? Well, keeping those faucets dripping prevents pressure from building up between the faucet and any potential ice blockage. So, even if a pipe does freeze, there’s a good chance it won’t burst.
And here’s another cozy idea: leave your sink cabinets open. This not only gives you easier access but also allows more heat to circulate in that area. So, stay warm and keep your pipes safe!
Inspect the outside of your home and identify problem areas such as unsealed cracks and holes. Be sure to shore them up with spray foam and caulk to keep your pipes cozy and warm.
Add a cozy twist to your home! For pier and beam homes with crawl spaces, winterize by covering vents with custom-cut cardboard, and seal it up with duct tape. Keep that crawl space locked up tight.
If you’ve got a basement, make it cold-resistant. Fix any cracks in the windows and inspect garage and utility doors for insulation wear and tear
Keeping the heat on, even when you’re away, is a smart move. Sure, you might think you’re saving a few bucks on your gas or electric heating bill, but the last thing you want is to come back to a burst pipe nightmare. If you’re gearing up for a holiday getaway, make sure to set your thermostat to a cozy 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It’s a small effort that can save you from a big headache!
Back in the day, many older homes in Seattle had a quirky connection – their downspouts and foundation drains linked straight into the sewer pipes.
Now, you might be wondering what this means for you. Well, it’s simple. To keep your home’s sewer system in tip-top shape, consider these two easy steps. First, clean those gutters! Get rid of leaves, pine needles, and all the stuff that might cause a clog. It’s like giving your home a breath of fresh air. Second, squirrel-proof your plumbing by adding some screening to the mix. This keeps your pipes safe from unexpected blockages.
Winter can be Harsh on Your Plumbing
With these seven tips, you can safeguard your home’s waterworks. From insulating pipes to preventing frozen garden hoses, these measures ensure your plumbing remains trouble-free during the colder months, sparing you from inconvenient and costly winter plumbing issues.
