Plumbing in Winter: A Guide to Avoiding Burst Pipes

Did you know damage from burst pipes can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars? Not all damage is covered by insurance either. We want you to be prepared this winter and safeguard your plumbing from the wintry weather. In this blog, we discuss the steps you can take to better prevent plumbing problems in the winter, which is often the worst time to experience a plumbing issue due to freezing temperatures.

Preparing Your Plumbing

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, your home's plumbing becomes particularly vulnerable to issues such as frozen, leaky or even burst pipes. These problems not only disrupt daily life but can also cause extensive damage and costly repairs. In some cases, it can damage homes and cause long-term problems, such as mold growth and structural damage.

Fortunately, with some proactive measures and preventive steps, you can safeguard your plumbing system against the harsh realities of winter. Here's a comprehensive guide to preventing frozen and leaky pipes during the cold season. Here are some helpful tips to prepare your plumbing system for the winter:

• Fix leaking pipes now. Inspect your pipes to ensure any leaks are repaired while the weather is still warm. Any pipes with cracks or weak spots can potentially become a bigger problem once temperatures begin to drop below freezing.
• Protect pipes in unconditioned areas. Keeping your pipes warm and protected from the cold is the most important thing you can do to prepare your plumbing for the winter. Installing pipe sleeves is an easy way to protect exposed pipes. They're easy to install and can be found online or at a local hardware store. Another alternative is wrapping your pipes with heat tape. Heat tape carries a conducting wire that regulates the temperature of the pipe and can be controlled with a thermostat.
• Check your insulation. Proper insulation in attics and crawl spaces not only helps maintain interior temperatures but also protects pipes from freezing. Ensure these areas are adequately insulated to minimize heat loss and chilly air infiltration.
• Inspect your water heater. Your water heater is most important during the winter, so now is the best time to make sure it is running properly. Give us a call, and our professional plumbers will drain your water heater and perform a maintenance check.
• Winterize outdoor faucets. Outdoor faucets are exposed to the elements all winter long and should be turned off at their shutoff valves. Disconnect and drain any water hoses. For additional protection, install cover hose bibs. These insulated covers fit over any outdoor faucet and slow heat loss from a pipe.
• Open cabinets and run water. During extreme cold, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Using a portable heater directed towards the cabinet can help keep the pipes warm too. Trickling water from faucets can also help relieve pressure from frozen pipes.
• Keep Interior Temperatures Consistent. Maintaining a consistent temperature inside your home, even when you're away, can prevent pipes from freezing. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F during cold spells, and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to gain access to your thermostat from anywhere at any time, regulating your home's temperature efficiently.
• Prepare ahead of traveling. If you plan to leave town for a few days, remember to turn off the water at the main shutoff. This will minimize the damage if a pipe bursts while you are away.

Emergency Plumbing Services

If you experience a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe or find a leak that's caused grave damage, give our emergency hotline a call. We have plumbers on call 24/7 in case of these emergencies. The faster we can get to you, the faster we can address the problem and help avoid further damage.

Plumbing Service & Maintenance

Before winter arrives, consider scheduling a professional inspection of your plumbing system with Bradley Mechanical. Our certified and trained plumbers can identify potential vulnerabilities and recommend necessary repairs or preventive measures to avoid frozen and leaky pipes. We can also provide you with helpful tips and tricks to keep your plumbing system in great shape throughout the colder months.

Water damage from burst pipes can happen fast and be extremely expensive. Don't get caught off guard and prepare ahead of time. And if you need an additional hand, give Bradley Mechanical a call today at (804) 748-6728 and let us protect your home and plumbing.