Winterize the Pipes Before It’s Too Late!
Winter is coming...and that means homeowners and their families are starting to gear up for the bitter winter temperatures that are fast approaching. While many people will be most concerned about ensuring that their heating systems are working properly (and yes, this is important indeed), pipe winterization is one of the less obvious but equally important things to consider.
When temperatures drop low, the risk of frozen pipes increases greatly, and so does the risk of burst pipes. As such, it is important that homeowners understand the potential dangers of burst pipes and actionable steps they can take to prevent burst pipes. Continue reading for all of this information and more!
Burst Pipes are Very Dangerous
Let’s begin first by explaining why burst pipes are dangerous in the first place. The biggest problem with burst pipes is that they can lead to significant water damage. Just think of how much water runs through the pipes daily - and then think about how much water would be spewing throughout the home if that pipe burst.
The extent of water damage in the surrounding area near a burst pipe can be extremely costly. This will require the help of an emergency plumber to aid in immediate burst pipe repair, which in itself will also be extremely costly. The best thing that homeowners can do is take preventative measures to mitigate the risk of burst pipes.
Pipe Insulation Can Help
Pipe insulation is perhaps the single best measure that homeowners can take to prevent this sort of plumbing emergency. Insulation helps the pipes to stay warmer, which mitigates the risk of frozen pipes. The installation of pipe insulation is relatively easy and straightforward, and it has a number of other benefits as well.
Pipe insulation can help improve the system's overall efficiency as the pipes transport water throughout the home. Insulation can also combat condensation that may rest atop the pipes. In addition, depending on the pipe set up in the house, insulation can help to mitigate the risk of accidental injuries.
Additional Tips to Prevent Burst Pipes
Pipe insulation is not the only step homeowners can take to avoid emergency burst pipes. There are a number of other helpful strategies as well:
- Circulate warm air throughout the home - this can ensure that certain rooms (especially those with extensive piping) do not become too cold
- Purchase and install heat tape - this is a relatively low-cost way to help keep the pipes warmer, which mitigates the risk of for
- Run water consistently through the home - this will help to decrease the risk that the pipes will freeze
The great thing about the strategies listed above is that they are all relatively easy changes to make. They may seem simple, but doing just one or two of these can make all the difference in the world when it comes to protecting the pipes from bursting.
About Sheely Plumbing Inc.
Sheely Plumbing Inc. of Alto, MI, and the Greater Grand Rapids Area has been West Michigan’s trusted name in plumbing for more than a decade. With a highly experienced and friendly team of experts, they believe in providing honest recommendations and effective solutions at affordable prices. Give them a call for plumbing help today!
