Don’t Risk Canceling Holiday Festivities Because of Frozen Pipes
Holiday festivities require a certain level of efficiency from a home’s plumbing system. If the piping system isn’t as efficient as possible, it could crack under the pressure and potentially ruin the holiday festivities. In other words, if the pipes aren’t prepared and protected for the winter months ahead, it is likely homeowners will suffer from frozen pipes. If a home gets frozen pipes, it can lead to a number of issues, including water leaks in and around the house. Frozen pipes tend to lead to expensive repairs as well because it is unlikely the homeowner will know there’s a leak until it’s too late. For more information on how to properly protect your pipes from freezing this winter, continue reading below.
Have the Pipes Insulated
Before the frigid temperatures arrive, it is important to have the plumbing system insulated. When the pipes are insulated, it creates a nice heat barrier that stays in the pipe long after the hot water is gone. Because of this, the pipe is less likely to freeze.
There are many benefits of insulating the pipes in a home. For instance, it helps save the environment, all while saving the homeowner money on their monthly bill. For those wondering what type of piping insulation to get, here is a list of the different types:
- Polyethylene
- Different foam materials
- Cellular Glass
- Wool
- Rubber
Perhaps the easiest to install and the most durable material for the least investment is the self-seal rubber insulation. Most homeowners will be pleased with the results because it’s easy to install and requires little to no maintenance.
The Importance of Letting Faucets Drip
The second thing that can protect pipes from freezing is to leave a faucet dripping with water. By doing this, the pipe has a consistent flow of water through it, which tremendously decreases any risk for freezing.
The pipes that are at the greatest risk of freezing are those that are on exterior walls. It is important that homeowners survey their homes to locate all faucets that are hooked up to exterior walls. It doesn’t take much, either! A slow drip is all it takes to lower the risk! In combination with pipe insulation, this technique is one of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes for good.
For the ultimate protection, continue reading the last professional tip below:
Consistent Temperatures Are Key
The dangers of frozen pipes occur when the temperature of a home bounces around. This is why it's essential to keep the home's temperature at least above 55 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. When the temperatures outside are below freezing, and the inside temperatures reach below 55 degrees, it is a recipe for problems.
A lot of homeowners try to save money during the holidays in every way they can. Many people try to turn the heat off when they aren’t home to try and reduce energy costs. This might seem like the right thing to do at first, but in reality, the homeowner ends up costing themselves more in repairs because the pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting.
If homeowners think a pipe in their house is frozen, they should call in a professional as soon as possible. The sooner the problem is fixed, the less expensive repair costs are likely to be. Not only that, but it could save the holiday dinner if the homeowner gets the system looked at before the festivities begin. This will ensure everything is running efficiently.
Pro Service Mechanical Keeps Homeowners Satisfied
There is no need to worry when Pro Service Mechanical is around. They are the professional plumbers that work hard to ensure their neighbors in the Saskatoon area are happy, and their homes are efficient. Customers can also feel comforted this holiday season knowing that Pro Service Mechanical has 24-hour emergency services. Give them a call in the event that burst pipe service is needed.