Now that the weather has turned colder, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your home’s plumbing from autumn and winter’s effects. ServiceMaster of Baltimore is here to help you make sure you’re ready for cold weather and has some tips on preventing frozen pipes.
Watch Out For Frozen Pipes
Any disruption to your home plumbing system can cause damage beyond the underlying problem. Frozen pipes can lead to leaks, bursts, or even electrocution hazards. It also means that water is not flowing in your home the way it’s supposed to, and leaks can cause thousands of dollars in water damage and lead to mold and mildew growth.
Are My Pipes Frozen?
If a faucet in your home is only producing a trickle of water, this is a sign of a frozen pipe. Check other faucets to determine the extent of the blockage, then immediately turn off the main water supply. It’s important to act quickly if pipes are frozen, as water expands when frozen and can cause pipes to leak or burst, causing thousands of dollars in plumbing and water damage.
What to Do if Pipes Are Frozen
Don’t just get the hair dryer out to try to thaw them yourself! There are ways to thaw frozen pipes yourself, but it’s best to call a plumber right away, especially if you aren’t sure of the exact location. A plumber has the right equipment to prevent pipes from bursting and can thaw pipes safely and quickly, and can help you prevent freezing in the future.
How to Prepare Plumbing For Cold Weather
1. Insulate Pipes
Don’t forget about unheated areas of the home, such as attics, garages, and crawl spaces. Plumbing in these areas should be insulated to protect against freezing. If insulating them isn’t possible, controlling any temperature fluctuations and heating these areas can help protect against frozen pipes.
2. Turn Off Outdoor Water
In the fall, make sure all outdoor lines are drained and shut off to avoid freezing, including disconnecting hoses and shutting off pool water supply lines. If your home has indoor sprinklers, any outside connections should be drained and prepared for colder weather.
3. Control the Temperature
Increase your home’s heating efficiency and prevent temperature fluctuations by ensuring windows and doors are properly sealed. Storm windows can help keep cold air out and warm air in. There are also window coverings you can purchase that cling to the window to insulate it even further.
Be sure to check on the trim around the bottom of your exterior doors to prevent cold air and moisture from entering your home, too. If drafts are a problem, you can use a draft stopper to keep in front of the door when it is closed to keep the air out.
Water Damage Recovery in Baltimore, MD
If the unthinkable happens and you experience water damage from frozen pipes, ServiceMaster of Baltimore can help. We have certified, licensed restoration technicians on call 24/7 to minimize damage and get you back to normal life fast. Give us a call at (410) 498-8030 or request an estimate online today.
