Plumbing is the primary system for transporting fluid in residential houses for various purposes and applications. However, it requires a proper installation and maintenance process to keep it safe from the external environment. As the pipeline distributes potable water to different sections of the house, fixing and installing any broken pipes is very important.
During the winter season, water starts freezing within the pipes at 32 degrees. This freezing action creates tremendous pressure inside the pipe that could cause a break in the pipe’s material and lead to a leak. For this purpose, effective techniques and processes are adopted to protect people from breaking. Here is a list of some major processes and techniques for protecting pipes from leaking:
Process for Winter Plumbing Precautions
Winter weather and cold weather can be harsh on your pipes, but a few simple precautions can help. Keep your home safe from frozen and burst pipes by following these effective steps as you get ready for the forthcoming cold season.
- Repair any plumbing leaks: It is never a good idea to ignore leaks in the winter months. This expands the size of the leak as well as the amount of money required to repair it. Leaks, regardless of the season, only increase wastewater and utility costs you pay, so the quicker you fix them, the better.
- Correct any dripping faucets: If the temperature is expected to fall below freezing, start a slight stream from the faucet with pipes along an exterior wall. This maintains the water flowing and lowers the chances of freezing water inside the pipeline. It also prevents burst pipes if, indeed, the water does solidify. This is because it restricts pressure from slowly building between both the faucet as well as the forming ice.
- Install pipe insulation: Pipe insulation should be installed on pipes that are exposed in your basement, together across exterior walls, and outside your home. Wrap pipes in polyethylene insulation tubes to add a protection layer against freezing. Pipe insulation is required in all uninsulated areas of your house that have pipes.
- Remove any outdoor pipes: Loosen the hose and turn off the valve going to the outdoor water tap to disconnect outdoor pipes. This keeps water from flowing to the outside lines, where it is more likely to freeze. Also, it eliminates the possibility of residual water in the hose that can damage the faucet.
- Choosing pipe materials: The most common types of piping found in residences are copper, PEX, and CPVC to prevent pipes from freezing during winter. However, each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Based on your requirements and budget, you might find one type of piping more suitable to your needs than others.
Pipe Freezing Protection Method
It is highly essential to adopt effective methods for protecting pipes from freezing during the winter season. Follow these recommendations to keep one’s pipelines from freezing before the cold weather arrives.
- Drain water from your swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines according to the manufacturer’s or installer’s instructions. Do not use antifreeze in these boundaries unless specifically directed.
- Hoses used outside should be removed, drained, and stored. Close the inside valves that supply outdoor hose bibs. Leave the outside valve open in order for any remaining water in the pipe to broaden without breaking it.
- Insulate the attics and basement spaces of your home. Insulation will keep these areas at higher temperatures.
- Look for other areas around the house in which water supply lines are situated in unheated areas. In these areas, both cold and hot water pipes should be insulated.
- Consider relocating exposed pipes and providing additional protection against freezing.
If you are looking to pin the major takeaway from this article, protecting pipes during cold weather is an essential task that should be performed. The proper methods and processes should be chosen to enhance precaution in your plumbing system. Leaking plumbing causes a whole host of problems associated with water coming into contact with your home’s materials. This always spells damage, and the longer it continues, the worse it will get.
Some leaks have the potential to strongly compromise your home’s foundation if located in particular areas of your home. Finding a professional waterproofing and foundation repair contractor can help you to effectively secure your pipeline system, as well as your home, from damage.
You can search online for highly rated and quality service providers across the US. Smoky Mountain Crawlspace Systems is a strongly effective waterproofing company that helps provide solutions to local customers in Middle Tennessee. They are always ready to repair any kind of damage caused by a leaking plumbing system. Contact us today at (615) 257-1060 | (931) 536-1168 to achieve your repairs at an affordable price.
