We have all heard the famous saying, “Winter is coming.” But we all know that hardly anything good stems from the phrase, be it the series of home improvement projects related to your drains. In cold regions like California, people start worrying about how to keep pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs, and money-wise, people would want to know a solution that does not burn a hole in their pockets. The experts at plumbing in Alameda suggest the prime reasons why such issues occur and give solutions that will help you deal with these problems every winter.
Here is how to protect pipes from freezing
Uninsulated exposed pipes
If you are still in the building phase of your house, we suggest that you do not place pipes in unheated or non-insulated areas of your site, such as attics, crawl areas, or garages. You can avoid installing them there, or if that ship has sailed, you can always insulate the pre-installed pipes in these areas. By insulating the unheated areas in your home, your pipes will stay warmer and be less likely to burst. Plus, well-insulated homes contain heat more effectively, saving you money on winter heating bills.
Dealing with sudden temperature drops
One of the most common issues in California is sudden temperature drops. Californians can experience rapid temperature fluctuations, especially during cold snaps or winter storms, causing pipes to freeze unexpectedly. The best way to deal with these problems is to monitor the weather forecast. When you feel the chill in the air, you can open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes to avoid freezing. It will solve the kitchen-related problems at least.
Another way to deal with this problem is to avoid shutting the tap valve entirely. You should leave the water dripping in slow motion through the tap. You will be surprised to see how effective this simple trick is and the wonders it works for your home. Choose the faucet furthest away from your water source for the best results. Doing this will force the water to run through a large portion of your plumbing system, keeping it active and less likely to freeze.
Poor insulation in the walls
If the plumbing pipes are located outside the wall, they risk significant malfunction in multiple circumstances. Roots or trees could grow out of the plumbing lines, or if these houses are in cold regions, freezing can lead to a burst pipe spoiling the whole setup. The best way to deal with this problem is to prepare in advance. The experts suggest that if you are wondering how to protect your pipes from freezing, provide extra insulation on the exterior pipes. This sort of preparation goes a long way, and you can always seek professional help on this front if you are not comfortable with the technical details of keeping the pipes insulated.
Don’t adjust the thermostat
Most people habitually change the thermostat’s temperature depending on the weather, but experts suggest maintaining a uniform temperature for your home. If you keep the temperature the same during the day and night, the chances of freezing decrease. Maintaining a steady temperature also puts less stress on the furnace, which is essential during extreme cold months.
Seal leaks and drafty areas
The first step to preparing for winter is ensuring all the essentials are in place. The second obvious step is to ensure that you know the weak points in your home and adjust them to foolproof your home from winter chills. Look for drafty areas in your home and seal them shut. It will help you play the game with winter on a level playing field. The plumbing lines run less risk of freezing, and your thermostat will work in full bloom if you do this in advance.
How to deal with frozen pipes?
Try turning on the faucet and checking for yourself if you feel some part of the plumbing system is frozen. You will be able to observe an obstruction or slow dripping water. If this is the case you have a frozen pipe. Next logical step is to check if there is some crack in the exposed pipes. If any pipes have burst, turn off the main water supply for the house and immediately call a plumber for assistance. Attempting to thaw a pipe that has already burst can cause water to flow out and flood your home. You can either call a professional plumber in Alameda to take care of the issue or continue to inspect the problem and work on it on your own. The simple way is to apply heat to the exposed and frozen area to melt the ice. You can use a heating pad, hair dryer, or space heater to warm the area. In short, it is safe to say that you should take care of these plumbing issues before they get too severe, as they may cost a lot more than expected.