As winter fast approaches and the chilly wind starts to set in, freezing pipes are a common issue. Cold winds and below zero temperatures can freeze your pipes, thus making it impossible for the water to flow through them. However, that is not even the worst part. Since water expands after freezing, there is a high chance of your water pipes rupturing. This will not only incur monetary damage but can also cause flooding in your apartment.
Therefore, it becomes necessary for prudent homeowners to take measures to prevent their pipes from freezing in the winter so everyone in the home can enjoy the warm water in the cold. This blog post highlights some of the ways you can prevent your pipes from freezing in the winter season.
Call Your Professional Plumber
If you don’t know where to start but have to regularly deal with frozen pipes, it might be better to call a professional plumber and let them check your pipes. There could be several reasons behind your pipes freezing, such as improper insulation, rusty pipes and air pressure build up. A professional plumber can help you detect any problems you may have with your pipes. Dunn Rite Plumbing is a reliable plumbing partner in Edmonton.
Add Insulation
Adding insulation is perhaps the best way to prevent your pipes from becoming frozen. Insulation keeps the cold off your pipes and helps them maintain an ideal temperature level that doesn’t freeze the water. Pipe insulation is often remarkably inexpensive, and you don’t have to replace your pipe. Moreover, you should also pay special attention to the unheated areas of your home, such as the garage, attic, or basement. The insulation made for the pipes is made from fiberglass, polyethylene, and foam. However, you can use duct tape or a newspaper as a temporary solution till your professional plumber arrives.
Thaw Pipes On Your Own
Frozen pipes won’t allow for the flow of water. You can try to dethaw your pipes by running some warm water through the pipe, but most of the time, this will not work. You could also try to apply heat to the pipe by wrapping it with towels soaked in hot water. However, you should not use a lighter, dryer, or electric heater as this might catch fire and be quite dangerous. Be sure to use safe tactics when trying to dethaw your pipes on your own.
Keep The Heat On
At times, people turn on their heating system only when it starts to become too cold to bear. It may be difficult to convince yourself to leave your heat on when you are away. This is especially true when you have to pay your utility bills yourself. However, you should be informed that the heat can help prevent your pipes from freezing, and if pipes freeze and burst, it can cause a lot of damage to the pipes and property, along with wasting gallons of water.
However, you don’t have to keep the heat as high as when you are in your home. Keeping it at a temperature where it can keep the pipes warm is a good idea. Ideally, a temperature of 15°C is good enough to keep the temperature at a normal warm level, plus it won’t consume as much of your energy.
When Should You Call A Plumber?
You might not need to call a plumber if everything is running smoothly and you are managing some safe DIYs. Moreover, if you are keeping the temperature of your pipes and home at a warm temperature, it will keep your pipes in great condition. However, a frozen pipe that is cracked or leaking or a frozen pipe behind a wall or ceiling demands a professional hand. In such times, you should call a plumber to fix the issue for you.
About Dunn Rite Plumbing
Dunn Rite Plumbing is an experienced plumbing company based in Edmonton, Alberta. Our team of qualified plumbing technicians inspect and provide solutions to your plumbing issues. Learn more about our dedicated plumbing services or contact us for personalized service.