Protecting your plumbing is a great responsibility to keep up with year-round, but the winter season is particularly critical for preparation in advance. This is especially true if you live in extremely cold climates where pipes tend to freeze due to icy temperatures. Thankfully, there are many different precautions you can take to help prevent a plumbing catastrophe this winter, and our friendly Southern Air Mississippi team is here to share them with you!
Cold Season Plumbing Tips
Prepping your plumbing for the winter season is an important job that you should never skip out on. The consequences of cutting corners with it can end up costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of damage to your property. From issues of massive pipe bursts and water leaks to the performance of your water heater, protecting your plumbing from the effects of extreme cold is the best decision all-around.
Insulate Plumbing Pipes
There are a few different steps you can take to help prevent plumbing pipes from freezing or bursting this winter. One effective way is to install a heat cable to any pipes located in unheated areas of your home like the garage, a crawl space or even the attic. Pipe insulation should be placed on top of this to ensure the heat cable is sandwiched in between and able to properly do its job.
Use Insulated Covers For Hose Bibs
Hose bib covers are installed over the water spigots on the outside of your home. Commonly used in the wintertime, insulated hose bib covers are an affordable and effective way to help minimize the natural loss of heat from a pipe in cold weather.
Be Familiar With Main Water Shut-Off
Familiarizing yourself with your home’s main water valve is incredibly helpful, even more so in a sudden and unexpected situation like a pipe bursting. Already knowing where this valve is located can end up saving you an abundance of time and money in the event of an emergency.
Check Your Water Heater
You especially want to make sure your water heater is working properly during the cold winter months. The very worst feeling is hopping in the shower fully expecting nice, warm water to hit your skin and then getting the complete opposite. Checking to make sure your water heater is functioning optimally and making necessary repairs prior to extreme temperature drops will save you the trouble and discomfort of having to use icy cold water this winter.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Letting your indoor faucets trickle out water during periods of super cold weather can help prevent your pipes from freezing, reducing the overall risk of cracks and other expensive damage.
McComb Plumbing Services
Protecting your pipes from extreme cold is well worth the upfront expense as it could likely end up saving you unforeseen costs in the long run. You’ll be glad you decided to follow these important steps to safely and effectively winterize your plumbing system for years to come. For the most reliable plumbing repairs in McComb, contact the Southern Air experts!
