Winter can be a magical time of year, but unexpected plumbing problems can put a damper on your enjoyment of the season. Fortunately, homeowners can take steps to prevent winter plumbing problems. Let’s take a look at the most effective ways to prevent a winter plumbing emergency.
Evaluate Your Sump Pump
Many homes have a sump pump that regulates the flow of water throughout the home and prevents flooding. During the winter months, the lines leading to a sump pump can freeze, causing the sump pump to fail. To prevent this plumbing problem, evaluate your sump pump regularly to ensure that the discharge pipe allows for proper water drainage. Call The Eco Plumbers for sump pump repair in Columbus, Ohio and surrounding areas.
Check for Leaks
Another way to prevent winter plumbing problems is to check for leaks. Pipes are a common source of leakage, but sometimes a leak inside your home’s plumbing system is much harder to detect – that is, until it’s too late. A good way to check for leaks is to monitor water usage. Most homes do not exceed 12,000 gallons of winter water use per month. If your home’s usage is higher, it can indicate a leak.
Insulate Pipes
Before the winter months arrive, it’s a good idea to insulate pipes. Insulating your home’s pipes can help prevent them from freezing during the winter. As most homeowners know, pipes that freeze are likely to burst, causing potentially devastating property damage and leading to costly repairs. To prevent freezing, focus attention on exposed pipes found in crawl spaces or the attic.
Monitor Water Flow
During the winter months, homeowners need to be diligent about monitoring water flow through pipes. Since frozen pipes quickly cause a reduction in water flow, a noticeable change in the flow of water through your plumbing system may indicate a frozen pipe. Recognizing this sign early can prevent the need for complex repairs later.
Remove Garden Hoses
For most homeowners, winter preparation takes place almost entirely inside a home. However, it’s important not to forget the garden hoses. If they remain connected to your home during winter, garden hoses can freeze, burst, and potentially cause a water line leak. If the damage worsens, water lines are susceptible to breakage, which can pose a safety risk for you and your family.
Let Water Trickle
To prevent pipes from freezing, many homeowners let small amounts of water trickle through the pipes. Since moving water does not freeze, this is a simple and effective method of preventing winter plumbing problems. To provide the best results, water should trickle through faucets when the weather is coldest, which is usually overnight.
Maintain Warm Temperatures Inside
Keeping your home’s interior at or above 55 degrees can help prevent pipes from freezing. During particularly cold winter days and nights, opening up cabinets in the bathrooms and kitchen will allow warm air to circulate around pipes, preventing the water inside the pipes from freezing. Contact The Eco Plumbers for frozen pipes in Columbus, Ohio.
Emergency Water Shutoff
Many homes have an emergency water shutoff valve. To plan for an emergency, it’s essential that homeowners test the water shutoff valve and clearly mark its location. If your home does not have a water shutoff valve, consider installing one before winter arrives.
Call The Eco Plumbers in Columbus, OH to learn more about preventing winter plumbing problems in your home.
