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Tips For Preventing Frozen Pipes


Tips For Preventing Frozen Pipes

In the Philadelphia area, you can expect freezing temperatures for a significant period every winter. As the temperatures get lower, the water in your pipes can freeze and turn into ice When this happens, the temperatures cause the water to expand. The amount of ice will be more than the amount of water, and this can mean that the expansion causes cracks in the pipes.


When pipes burst, the cost to fix the problem can be substantial. It can cause massive water damage to an area as well as make it necessary to replace pipes and perhaps even fixtures. The pipes that are in the exterior walks are the ones that are most likely to freeze. It's also more likely among pipes located in unheated areas like a basement or attic. Before freezing temperatures start to overwhelm plumbing, it's a good idea to find out how you can keep your pipes from freezing and bursting.


Disconnect Your Hoses

When the weather starts to get cold, it's time to disconnect all of the hoses. Once you do this, be sure to drain your hose and store it properly. If you don't drain the hoses, water will freeze inside and split the hose. If you keep it connected to the house, the water inside it can freeze, and that freezing water can extend into your home and cause a lot of problems.

Once the hoses have been disconnected and drained, you need to store the hose properly. If it lies outside, it can get water inside it and freeze. It can also be damaged by having ice on the outside. It could even get mold or algae on it. Once you take care of your hoses, it's important to shut off the water that goes to the outside faucets. Then, open the faucet to get rid of the water that's inside the line. If you have sprinklers, you also need to drain those lines before the coldest part of winter. Taking care of these steps can help you avoid the need for emergency plumbing in Philadelphia.


Make Sure Your Pipes Are Insulated

It's relatively inexpensive to add some insulation to pipes to help keep them from freezing. If you have water pipes that go through areas of your home that are unheated, like a garage or crawlspace, the pipes need to be insulated to prevent freezing and bursting. When the weather gets very cold, the pipes that run under your bathroom sinks and kitchen may be at risk of freezing as well. Get some foam insulation and apply it generously to the pipes to keep them from being exposed to the cold temperatures. You can also insulate them by wrapping them in heat cables or heat tape. These can also keep the pipes warmer and prevent freezing.


Seal Your Home

Take a look through your home and look for any cracks or other small openings that may let cold air inside. If there are holes around the piping you should seal those holes as well. This can also help you save on your heating bills.


Leave Cabinets and Doors Open

Never leave a door to the outside open, but indoor doors should be opened to let the warm air circulate through the rooms. In the kitchen and bathrooms, open the cabinets to let the warmer air reach the pipes to prevent freezing.


Stay Comfortable This Winter By Taking Care Of Your Plumbing

Whether you need pipes replaced or a water heater repair in Philadelphia this winter, Gaceta Plumbing is here to help. Contact us about your plumbing issue today.


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