Winters in Watertown, CT, are gorgeous, but they may also be hard on your plumbing. Every year, homeowners have to pay a lot of money to fix broken pipes, cracked fittings, and leaks that come out of nowhere. We at L&P Plumbing know from experience that most of these problems may be avoided. A Watertown plumber who has been in the business for a long time knows a few basic things you can do to keep your home safe and stress-free all winter long.
Why Pipes Don’t Like Winter
Water inside your pipes expands as the temperature drops below freezing. That pressure has to go somewhere, and a lot of the time it breaks through the wall of the pipe. A little fracture can let out gallons of water in only a few minutes, flooding basements and ruining floors.
After this happens, the cleanup costs a lot more than any step that might have been taken to stop it.
Your first line of defense is insulation
A plumber in Watertown will always tell you to insulate pipes that are exposed, especially in basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Foam sleeves are cheap and easy to put on, yet they keep frigid air out quite well. This simple procedure can save lives in older Watertown homes where pipes may run along walls that aren’t heated.
Let the Faucets Drip on Cold Nights
It may seem strange, but letting faucets leak a little on cold nights helps keep the water running. Water that is still is more prone to freeze, but water that is flowing keeps the pressure even. A lot of people in Watertown have avoided having to deal with frozen pipes by allowing a modest trickle of water overnight.
Keep the Heat Up
Some households turn down the thermostat when they’re not home to save money on heating bills. Sadly, when the temperature inside drops too low, it might damage the pipes. Keep the house at least 55°F even if you’re only going away for the weekend. This will keep the pipes from freezing.
A Story About a Customer That Should Be Shared
A family in Watertown turned down the thermostat to save electricity while they went on a winter ski trip. When they got back, the basement was flooded because the pipes had frozen and burst. If they had talked to a Watertown Plumber before they left, they would have known to keep the temperature stable and turn off the main water valve. That little thing may have saved a lot of money on flood damage.
Don’t forget about plumbing outside
People often forget about garden hoses, spigots, and irrigation systems when they winter-proof their homes. Take the hoses off, drain the sprinkler lines, and put insulated covers on the outdoor faucets. We have witnessed a lot of times when a hose that was left behind caused ice to back up into the plumbing system, which caused pipes to burst inside the house.
Also, think about your water heater
Not only do pipes freeze in cold weather, but your water heater has to work harder too. You can make your system last longer and make sure you don’t lose hot water when you need it most by draining sediment accumulation and inspecting the pressure relief valve.
Getting professional help can make a big difference
Some steps to avoid problems are easy to do yourself, but nothing beats having a professional look at your home. A plumber in Watertown can check out your system, find any weak spots, and make sure you’re ready for the cold. A lot of people in the area make appointments with L&P Plumbing in the fall to avoid expensive surprises.
A Few More Important Tips
- Open cabinet doors on cold nights to let warm air go around the pipes.
- To keep chilly drafts out of your home, seal up any cracks in the foundation.
- In an emergency, every second counts, so know where your main shut-off valve is.
Last Thoughts
It’s not just about making things easier to winter-proof your plumbing; it’s also about protecting your biggest investment: your home. You may avoid the misery of burst pipes and flooding by doing things like insulating pipes, keeping the heat stable, and calling a Watertown Plumber for a seasonal inspection. People in Watertown, CT, trust L&P Plumbing to get their homes ready for winter because we’ve seen it all and know that prevention is always better than cure. Don’t wait for a frozen pipe to remind you; get your home ready for winter before the first frost.
