If water pipes freeze and subsequently burst, they’re bound to cause widespread damage. Still, it doesn’t have to be that way if you’re proactive about a few simple steps.
Do you want to prevent those dreaded frozen pipes during colder months? MVP Plumbing’s expert plumbers in Ardmore, PA, share insider tips below so you can keep things flowing smoothly this winter. For more general plumbing advice, explore our guide on common plumbing repairs every homeowner should know.
Do you want to prevent those dreaded frozen pipes in the colder months? MVP Plumbing’s expert plumbers in Ardmore, PA, share some insider tips below so that you can keep things flowing smoothly this winter.
Drain the Outdoor Pipes
Ardmore properties’ interior plumbing isn’t often a problem, but many people find themselves facing frozen pipes outside of their homes. Sometimes, they’ve failed to drain outdoor pipes or forgotten to shut off the water to these fixtures, which makes them more likely to freeze.
Winterizing pipes in the fall helps them survive the cold and then work properly when spring arrives – not to mention helping you prevent water damage.
Maintain Heating at Home in Ardmore
The below-freezing winter temperatures in Pennsylvania mean that staying warm requires consistent heating indoors for healthy, happy families. The other benefit of this warmth is that your property’s pipes won’t freeze if they’re absorbing the extra heat daily. If you’re away for an extended period, it’s important to maintain this heat, as well.
Experts recommend that you set your thermostat in Ardmore to about 60 degrees. That should prevent a harsh freeze from getting into your plumbing pipes. Otherwise, you could come home to a huge mess!
Keeping your thermostat at a steady temperature, along with the other measures in this guide, could help you skip those frozen pipes this winter. For instance, you may need to open cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms to warm those pipes properly, too.
Insulate Your Indoor Pipes Well
Sometimes, plumbing pipes fail due to a variety of environmental issues, including unexpectedly frigid days or nights. When you insulate pipes, that won’t be a problem. The pipe material will retain sufficient heat and keep the water inside flowing freely.
You want to prevent freezing because it expands the pipe to weaken or burst it. Some plumbers even use heat tape for pipe wrapping if the setup allows easy pipe access.
Proactively Seal Cracks That Expose Pipes
How could your experienced plumbing professional make a difference here? Well, one useful service involves identifying where your Ardmore home’s water pipes run.
If you notice any cracks along those walls, you’ll want to add insulation behind the wall and cover the gap quickly. Otherwise, pockets of cool air will be hitting the pipe, increasing its risk of a freezeover.
Remember To Let Faucets Drip
Dripping water might seem irresponsible or make you worry about the bills, but in winter, this is an excellent strategy to prevent pipe freezes. Letting water slowly drip from your faucets can often prevent frozen pipes because it keeps the liquid in the pipes flowing, be it slowly.
Adjust your faucet to allow the least amount of water to drip. If you’re dealing with frozen pipes already, check out this troubleshooting guide.
Keep Water Running After Pipes Freeze
Do you suspect a frozen pipe? Contact a local Ardmore plumber like MVP Plumbing to seal leaks and restore the flow within the pipe. That way, you won’t face water damage as the ice begins to thaw.
While waiting for professional assistance, turn on all your faucets to help locate the frozen section and prevent backups. If you need immediate help, visit our page for emergency plumbing repair services.
While you wait for the emergency plumber, turn on all of your faucets so that they can easily locate the frozen pipe section and prevent backups. You can also alternate running your hot and cold water supply to help thaw stuff out.
Thaw Frozen Pipes Very Carefully
It’s not always possible to avoid the hassle of frozen pipes, even with heating, slowly dripping faucets, and great insulation. However, the important thing to remember if there’s a freeze is to go gently – and to call a trained professional for help with the thaw.
Don’t use an open flame to heat the pipes. It will cause costly damage. Instead, do the following:
- Gradually crank up the thermostat
- Wrap warm towels around the frozen pipe
- Try space heaters
Experts will also patch holes in the pipe to give your plumbing system a fighting chance.
Frozen pipes? Contact Ardmore’s Trusted Plumbing Professionals From MVP Plumbing
Now that you know how to prevent frozen pipes in the winter, you can avoid major plumbing disasters after the temperatures plummet. Why not chat with MVP Plumbing if you have issues with your pipes or fixtures before the winter weather arrives? Contact us today to schedule your plumbing inspection or maintenance service!