Essential Tips for Plumbing Pipe Protection During Noblesville’s Cold Winters
Even on a bright, sunny winter’s day, the temperature in Noblesville can plummet to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This is particularly likely in February, which happens to be the city’s coldest and snowiest month.
With a temperature that low, it is common for plumbing pipes to freeze. If this happens in your home and you do not know what to do, you may soon have a burst pipe on your hands.
Do not wait for freeze and snowstorm warnings before you attempt to protect your plumbing system. Instead, use the following practical steps to prepare your pipes and your home for the cold season.
Prepare your plumbing pipes for winter with an expert pipe inspection from Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling. You get a FREE plumbing service call when you pay for a service. (Limited time offer).
Insulate and Heat Your Home
The first thing you want to do is keep the cold at bay. You can do this by setting your thermostat to the same temperature day and night. Consistent heating throughout your home will make it harder for the water in the pipes to freeze.
As your home warms up, open cabinet doors in your kitchen or bathroom. The pipes in these rooms are usually very cold, so opening the cabinets allows warmer air to flow around them.
If there is a snowstorm or frost on the way, let your faucets drip overnight. Do not open them too wide, though, or you will have a higher utility bill. Just let the water drip slowly to prevent it from standing still and potentially freezing.
You should also protect your pipes using insulation sleeves or heat tape. Focus on pipes in the unheated areas in your home, like those in the basement, attic, and garage. It is also important to keep your garage doors closed as much as possible to keep the cold out.
Additional steps include sealing holes, cracks, and openings in your walls and ceilings, especially near pipes. Add extra insulation to colder rooms to ensure the pipes stay warm.
Why You Should Not Neglect Pipe Protection
If you leave your plumbing pipes unprotected during winter, the water inside them may freeze. When this happens, the pressure in the pipe increases, which will eventually cause the pipe to burst or crack.
It is not only your indoor plumbing that is at risk. Your outdoor water lines, sprinkler systems, hose bibs, and spigots can also become damaged if they freeze.
You should disconnect hoses before winter arrives. Drain and store them in your garage or basement. Get insulated sleeves and bibs for extra protection for your spigots. It is also best to turn off the water supply to exterior faucets.
Thawing a Frozen Pipe
If you discover a frozen pipe, you can attempt to thaw it. But, before you do anything, turn the faucet connected to the pipe on.
Find the frozen spot (usually closer to the main water source). When you locate the frozen section, you can try and melt the ice using gentle heat. You can use a hairdryer, warm towels, and heating pads. Start near the faucet and work toward the ice blockage when thawing the pipe.
If you notice water leaking from a crack or bulge in the pipe, stop what you are doing and call a professional plumber. The plumber will know how to keep the pipe from completely bursting. But if the pipe bursts, the plumber will know how to contain the damage and fix the pipe.
Long-Term Plumbing Pipe Protection
You can take several steps to protect your pipes over the long term. These include upgrading your plumbing system to include PEX pipes instead of copper or PVC. If you have an older Noblesville home, you may have outdated pipes (if no renovation has been done).
Ask your plumber whether it would be possible to move some of your exterior pipes to interior walls where they will be more protected.
You should also consider installing a smart thermostat to ensure the temperature in your home stays consistent when it’s cold. Leak detectors can alert you to leaking pipes before they become a big problem.
Lastly, invest in regular plumbing system checkups. You should hire a professional plumber to inspect your home’s pipes and insulation annually to ensure you are set for winter.
Do Not Delay in Getting Your Noblesville Home Winter Ready
Do not put off protecting your home and plumbing pipes any longer. Implement the above strategies and measures immediately to prevent unnecessary damage.
Remember, if a pipe bursts, it will likely flood a large section of your home. If you do not fix the damage quickly, you risk mold and mildew growing inside your house. This can lead to health issues for you and your family.
Not to mention the high costs of having water and structural damage fixed, on top of replacing burst pipes.
Summers PHC Can Help You Avoid Expensive Plumbing Repairs
Frozen pipes are preventable if you take the right steps when necessary. Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help you identify weak areas in your plumbing system and advise you on the best pipe protection for winter.
Do not let frozen pipes ruin what should be a cozy winter. Book an inspection, maintenance, or repair with Summers PHC today and take advantage of our local specials. Call 317-565-4285 or schedule a service online.
