In many parts of the country, winters can be harsh. Cold, snowy and icy conditions make it difficult to keep water flowing through your home’s plumbing system. After all, water expands as it freezes, which can lead to costly and inconvenient pipe damage. So if you’re worried about the temperature dropping below freezing any time soon, now is the time to make sure your plumbing system is ready for the winter. Pipes that get below freezing can freeze and crack, causing a ton of damage. The best way to prevent this is with proper maintenance and prevention methods. Fortunately, these measures are fairly simple and can be done before winter arrives. Here are some tips on how you can keep your pipes safe from freezing during the winter months:
Change the faucet aerator.
The faucet in the bathroom is a common source of freezing pipes. If you have a faucet that has an aerator in it, change it out for a new one. Some faucets have metal or rubber aeration devices, while others have metal or plastic screens with tiny holes that can easily get clogged. An aeration device keeps water moving so it doesn’t build up and freeze in the pipes.An old, dirty faucet aeration device can be a prime source of freezing pipes, as it lets bacteria grow and create a build-up of scum and deposits that can block the flow of water. If you have an old faucet aeration device, be sure to clean it out with vinegar and water every month.
Store fuel.
If you’re in a region where you can experience freezing rain and snow, you may want to consider storing fuel indoors. Fuel storage is common in certain parts of the country. Since fuel is extremely flammable, it should be stored in a room that won’t be used for living space. If you’re storing fuel, be sure to store it in a room with a dirt or concrete floor, and store it in containers with air vents.Airtight containers that are placed in a garage or another outbuilding can help prevent freezing pipes from leaking gasoline into the house if there’s a power outage.
Check your water pipes.
Before the winter starts to settle in, take some time to inspect your water pipes. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as chipped paint, and then take action if they exist. If you have lead pipes, or any other sort of pipes that are at risk for freezing, be sure to take action.Lead pipes may need to be replaced before the winter, but this is an important job that should not be ignored. If you have a copper water pipe, you can wrap it with a heating tape if you experience freezing temperatures. Using a heating tape is an easy and affordable way to prevent pipes from freezing.
Add insulation to your pipes.
If you have pipes that you can’t replace or move, you can add insulation to them. This will keep the water in your home from freezing. You can use fiberglass or foam pipe insulation that is sold at hardware stores. The pipes should be wrapped in a layer of insulation, and then wrapped in another layer of insulation. This is especially important in basements and crawlspaces, where the pipes are exposed to the cold winter air.
Conclusion
In many parts of the country, winters can be harsh. Cold, snowy and icy conditions make it difficult to keep water flowing through your home’s plumbing system. After all, water expands as it freezes, which can lead to costly and inconvenient pipe damage. So if you’re worried about the temperature dropping below freezing any time soon, now is the time to make sure your plumbing system is ready for the winter. Pipes that get below freezing can freeze and crack, causing a ton of damage. The best way to prevent this is with proper maintenance and prevention methods. Fortunately, these measures are fairly simple and can be done before winter arrives.