Alameda winters may not see snow flurries or below freezing temperatures, but it can still get pretty cold out there. And with day after day of low temperatures, your plumbing is sure to take a hit. California winters are mild, but surprise cold snaps can cause your pipes to freeze and crack or break entirely, resulting in several hundred dollars’ worth of damage.
That’s why we recommend you winterize the plumbing in your home. Albion Plumbing, your trusted plumber in Alameda, presents expert advice tips to prevent your pipes from freezing and ensure that you have water flowing smoothly all wintry season long.
Whether you’re a DIY expert or want to call professional plumbers in Alameda, we have you covered.
Why Is It Important to Winterize Your Plumbing
The answer is simple. A frozen pipe and the damage it causes can completely ruin your cozy winter weekend. Now for some Science 101. When the water in your pipes freezes, it expands and increases the pressure on your pipes from the inside. This can cause the pipes to crack or burst, which can lead to damaging leaks or plumbing emergencies like flooding.
The cold season in Alameda, a pleasant city with moderate weather, may not be as bad as New York or Buffalo, temperatures can still be low enough to freeze unprotected pipes. And the older the property and its plumbing, the lesser are the chances of pipes being insulated which makes them more vulnerable to damage.
If you’re still not sure if your plumbing in Alameda needs insulation during winters, here’s a quick fact. Even a single burst pipe can cost you around $5,000 in damage. And that does not include the cost of the repairs you will need! Like the wise old said, prevention is always a better option.
Steps to Winterize Home Plumbing in Alameda, CA
Drain, Disconnect and Close
To prevent the water inside your pipes from expanding, you need to drain out the water. A frozen garden hose might not seem like a big deal, but it can cause a lot of plumbing damage. You cannot have your pipes running empty, but make sure you drain out any water settled in outdoor hoses. If you don’t, this water can freeze and expand and travel all the way back towards the water inlet or faucet and cause the main pipes to crack.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Disconnect your hoses from the outdoor faucet and drain out all the water.
- Turn off any water valves that only serve the outdoors and drain them too.
- To prevent any pressure from building-up, leave the outdoor valves open.
Give Exposed Pipes Some TLC
Think of insulation as a thick jacket for your pipes that will keep them warm and your water flowing freely. Badly insulated pipes are more likely to crack or entirely break when it gets colder. Even if they have taken care of pipes outdoors, most homeowners miss insulating pipes in areas like the basement, which may not be as well heated as the rest of the house.
How to insulate exposed pipes:
- Cover pipes with foam pipe sleeves or heat tape easily available in your local hardware store.
- Water tends to pool at the spot where there is a bend or a joint in the pipe. So make sure you insulate these areas really well.
While insulating the pipes, look for any gaps near your pipes. Even a slight draft of cold air could freeze the water inside the pipe. You can use caulk or foam to seal small gaps, and weatherstripping for windows etc in areas like the basement.
Check Water Heater Efficiency Before Winter
Even in the normally pleasant Alameda, water heaters work harder during the cold season. If your water heater is not heating your water enough, there could be some internal damage or mineral/salt build-up. Flush your water heater’s tank to drain out all the sediment, and then inspect the appliance for rust or any leaks. Adjust the temperature setting to an optimal level depending on the season. We recommend hiring a plumber in Alameda to do this for you.
Know Your Shut-Off Valve
If a pipe bursts despite your best efforts, you should be able to turn off the main water supply immediately to minimize any damage. Shut-off valves are typically placed near the spot where the water line enters the house. But in some cases the valve can be located near the water meter. Make sure every adult in the house knows where the shut-off valve is located.
When to Call a Professional Plumber in Alameda, CA
Some of the things listed above are simple and you can manage them yourself. But things like full inspections, large-scale insulation, water heater flushing or finding hidden leaks, need a professional and licensed plumber.
Just key in “plumbing services near me” into your search engine, and you’ll find Albion Plumbing, your experienced and reliable plumber in Alameda. We’ve been serving the area for over 20 years, and are skilled in helping homeowners with winterization of their plumbing.
Alameda has many properties with aging pipes that are more prone to damage during the winter. By hiring professionals for plumbing winterization, you can save money on costly repairs. That’s where our local experience comes in handy. Our local plumbers in Alameda understand the nuances of Alameda’s landscape and know exactly what to watch out for and the preventative measures or fixes required.
Call Albion Plumbing Now
Winterizing your plumbing in Alameda is important. You can save yourself a lot of trouble and expense later.
Don’t wait for something to break before taking action. Call our expert plumbers today and prepare for a stress-free winter.