As a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, you know the weather doesn’t usually get too cold. As a result, it can be easy to overlook proper preparation for when temperatures drop to freezing or below.
Frozen pipes are at risk of bursting, which leads to water damage and costly repairs that would have been completely avoidable had the homeowner taken steps to prevent this problem. Don’t be unprepared, follow tips from the experts at RooterMan of Upstate Plumbers on how to protect your home this winter. Our expert plumbers in Greenville have your back.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
As temperatures drop below freezing, pipes that aren’t properly protected from the elements let the cold temperature affect the water inside them. When water turns to ice, it expands.
This simple fact is the source of the problem, as there isn’t going to be enough room in the pipe for all that internal pressure, leading to cracks and ruptures. When the temperatures go back up and the ice begins to melt, the water that was meant to flow through the pipe is going to leak into your home, which causes significant damage the longer it goes unchecked.
Signs Your Pipes Might Be Freezing
There are a few ways that you can catch your pipes freezing before it becomes a major financial catastrophe. Visible frost on exposed pipes is an easy indicator that the water inside of it is beginning to freeze.
Another noticeable sign is if your water pressure inexplicably drops and the flow slows to a trickle, as this may mean that ice is blocking proper water flow. Strange smells coming from your taps or drain similarly indicate that your pipes aren’t functioning as they should.
The moment you notice any of these, you need to act quickly if you want to avoid further freezes along the pipes and contain the existing damage.
Tips to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
As one of the most respected plumbers in Greenville, we have a lot of experience in dealing with frozen pipes, and more importantly how to prevent them in the first place.
Insulate Your Pipes
The most effective way to prevent pipes from freezing is to minimize the chance of it happening in the first place. Foam pipe insulation, heat tape, and heat cables all serve the same function, which is to be wrapped around pipes in areas that are exposed to colder temperatures. This includes places like basements, crawl spaces, as well as garages. The simple act of doing this significantly reduces the likelihood of your pipes freezing.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Cold loves to sneak into homes. Small gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and the space where pipes run through exterior walls all serve as a stealthy way for the cold to make its way in. By using caulk or other forms of insulation on these problematic areas, you keep the cold out and the warmth in.
Keep the Heat On
As much as it might make your wallet complain, it’s important to keep your home heated even when away for extended periods. As long as you set your thermostat to at least 55°F though, most of your pipes will be warm enough to prevent freezing.
Let Faucets Drip
Allowing your faucet to lightly drip is a surprisingly effective way of keeping your pipes protected in cold temperatures. It’s especially important for pipes that are closer to the exterior walls of your house.
Why Professional Help Matters
Sometimes DIY solutions are sufficient to solve a small problem, but anything bigger should be left to the experts. It’s important to have a qualified plumber assess how well your plumbing will fare during the winter and repair any damage that might alright exist.
At RooterMan, we know very well just how damaging having burst pipes can be to your house and your bottom line. Our team of experienced plumbers is ready to provide the quality of service you deserve for your home to be protected from freezing temperatures.
Stay Protected This Winter
Don’t wait until the problem starts. By taking measures now to prevent your pipes from freezing, you avoid all the problems that come with a burst pipe. If you need an experienced plumber to fix damage in your home, or you just have questions that need answering, RooterMan of Upstate Plumbers is just who you need for help.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or to learn more about how we can help protect your home from winter’s chill.
