One of the main worries for a lot of homeowners during the winter is how to prepare the home properly so that there are no disasters. Taking care of your plumbing is especially important, since freezing cold temperatures can freeze any water in your pipes and cause them to burst. When that water flows again, you end up with a flooded mess. If you really need help, you can usually call on a plumber in Cumming GA to help you with the winterization of your pipes. Here are some tips you can follow to take care of your pipes.
One of the first things that you should do before winter sets in is to make sure that you and every other person in your house knows where the shut-off valve for the water in the home is located. This is important to know because if a pipe suddenly bursts or starts leaking, you will want to get that water shut off right away to prevent further damage. Make sure you and everyone else knows where it is.
Insulating your pipes is one of the best ways that you can protect them from freezing and being exposed to the possibility of bursting. This is very important in areas of your home that are not heated, such as the basement. You can easily purchase insulation that wraps around your pipes, or you can call on a plumber in Cumming GA to come and inspect your pipes or winterize them for you.
You can also pay attention to temperature forecasts. If you know that there will be freezing weather, you can head off disaster by shutting off the water to outdoor spigots or sprinkler systems and make sure that they are empty before the cold sets in.
If your pipes do end up freezing, you can help keep them from bursting by turning on a cold-water faucet closest to the freezing pipe. This lessens the pressure inside and reduces the chance that it will burst. Take gradual measures to thaw your pipes and do not use an open flame or hair dryer to thaw them, as these can cause the pipes to burst from the heat or even start a fire if handled incorrectly.
Pipes bursting in the middle of winter are a valid concern for homeowners who have pipes exposed to freezing temperatures. You can take steps to start winterizing your pipes before the freezing temperatures set in. If you have any questions or want someone to do it for you, don’t be afraid to call a plumber in Cumming GA for help.
