Top 3 Tips to Protect Your Plumbing Systems This Winter

As the chilly winter winds settle in, there is a pressing need for winterizing your life. For the most part, layers of warm clothes work well to keep you warm and cozy through the winter months. But when it comes to your appliances and household, you need to make a few major adjustments to keep them in good working condition.

When it comes to your plumbing systems in particular, the biggest problem stems from the fact that water freezes at 0°C. On top of this, water exhibits a rather notorious behavior below 4°C – it expands instead of contracting till it reaches 0°C. This pretty much explains why you need to put additional protective measures in place to keep your plumbing systems intact during the winter months.

Here are the top 3 tips you need to keep in mind while winterizing your house. These can help you prevent unnecessary expenses in the form of major plumbing repairs.

Inspecting Leaks Periodically

Make it a habit to inspect the plumbing systems every month or so. Leaks tend to become pretty nasty over time. A stitch in time will actually save you nine!

Use a sheet of paper to check for leaks. This will help you pinpoint the problem in time. By the time the leak starts dripping, it is safe to assume that the problem has progressed to a significant level.

Use sealants and insulations to prevent leaks. Take special care of those plumbing lines that are exposed to the outdoor environment – these will be the first ones to absorb the winter chill!

Drain and Protect

The anomalous behavior of water can cause pipes to crack or burst. It is therefore a good idea not to leave water standing in pipes unnecessarily. Drain all pipes immediately after use. This specifically applies to the garden hose and all outdoor faucets.

As far as exposed plumbing lines are concerned, insulation is possibly the best remedy. Make sure they are adequately covered to prevent freezing. If the water is given a chance to stand long enough to freeze, it will most certainly lead to pipe bursts.

Insulate Well

This does not only apply to the outdoor plumbing systems; this involves insulating the house and the indoor systems as well. For instance, the broken window in your attic can impact your overall insulation routine. The same can be said about window and doorway seals. When it is about keeping warm, make sure you are paying attention to detail.

Make sure you cover the pipes with foam or insulation sheets. Using the heat tape is also a good idea. While you are at it, understand that this job requires precision and accuracy. So if you are unable to make things work on your own, there is no harm in opting for a little external help!

Bonfe is a very well trusted name in home comfort. So if you want us to lend a helping hand with your plumbing issues, give us a call – and leave the rest to us! 

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