Person shoveling snow in a residential area, emphasizing winter preparation for plumbing maintenance.

Give the Pipes a Winter Coat!

What do Pipes Need to Save Them from the Winter Weather?

Santa Claus isn’t the only one coming to town. Jack Frost usually enters first and can wreak havoc on home plumbing if a homeowner has not prepared well. While plumbing issues can crop up no matter the weather, the freezing temps that come with the winter months can cause pipes to freeze and burst. There are several precautions that every homeowner can take before the daily freezes hit.

Prep Step 1: Ensure Pipes Are InsulatedFoam pipe insulation for preventing frozen and burst pipes during winter, highlighting essential plumbing maintenance tips.

One of the best ways to prevent frozen and burst pipes is to insulate. While this task may seem tedious, it is neither difficult nor highly technical. Exposed pipes, however, can cause problems that only a plumber can solve. 

Furthermore, the water damage and cost resulting from such an incident is bound to be more than a client wants to pay. There are two forms of pipe insulation: foam insulation and pipe wrap.

  • Foam Insulation: This form of pipe insulation looks like an over large pool noodle that has been split lengthwise down one side and is used for wrapping long straight lengths of pipe.
    • Installation: Slip the foam insulation onto the pipe by prying open the split side. Nestle the insulation on, and seal the split with duct tape or pipe tape.
  • Pipe Wrap/Pipe Tape:Typically, but not always, self-adhesive, pipe wrap is basically a roll of material that is meant to insulate bends, turns, and joints in plumbing systems.
    • Installation: Use the pipe wrap like an ace bandage for the pipe joints, wrapping until it is completely covered.

Prep Step 2: Check Outdoor Faucets and Hose BibsOutdoor faucet mounted on a stone wall, surrounded by green foliage, emphasizing the importance of checking outdoor faucets for winter plumbing maintenance.

This step requires only a little bit of footwork and will be well worth the trouble. Hose bibs and other outdoor watering systems pose a danger to the indoor pipes if they are left full of water or partially on. The outdoor plumbing is more exposed and therefore more likely to freeze. The expanding freezing water can reduce the temperature of the pipes inside the house and lead to more freezing and broken pipes. Here are the steps to follow to prevent this domino effect disaster:

  1. Verify that all outdoor faucets are turned completely off.
  2. Disconnect and drain hoses and irrigation systems.
  3. Cover the faucet with an insulating cover.

Prep Step 3: Check the Heater

This third step of winter preparation may be the easiest of the bunch. The heater will need to be inspected anyway, and it needs to be working well for the entire house to be comfortable. It is also important to keep the house warm due to the possibility of ruptured pipes and a necessary phone call to a pipe repair company. 

Simply turning on the heater keeps the home warm, which will help keep the internal piping system temperatures above freezing. Making sure that a home’s heater is working effectively and efficiently is beneficial for the pipes, the people in the home, and the homeowner’s wallet.

Choose About Plumbing Inc.

Founded by a long-time plumbing contractor, About Plumbing Inc. may be a new business, but they have plenty of practical experience. Fully licensed and insured, with top equipment and highly knowledgeable techs, they are ready for almost any problem plumbing can have. Call them today for their plumbing service in the Barnhart, MO area.

Distribution Links +