Winter in Essex County can be harsh, bringing cold temperatures and freezing conditions that often lead to plumbing issues. If you’re a homeowner in the area, your pipes might burst and your drains might block, among a host of other water-related problems if you don’t take the right precautions. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect your plumbing systems and avoid expensive repairs during the winter.
These winter plumbing tips are perfect for Essex County homeowners, regardless of whether you’re already dealing with frozen pipes or just trying to prevent them. Keep in mind, if you have any questions or a plumbing emergency on your hands, call professional plumbing services in Essex County.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing problems. Water can freeze inside your pipes and expand, which makes the pipe burst and cause serious water damage. It’s much easier to prevent frozen pipes in the first place than to deal with the consequences. If you’re wondering how to prevent frozen pipes in Essex County, insulation is the key. Start by identifying any exposed pipes in unheated areas like the basement, attic, garage, or crawl spaces.
You can use pipe insulation for cold winters, like foam or heat tape, on these pipes to keep them warm. Additionally, professional plumbing inspections in Essex County can identify your home’s vulnerabilities, including which pipes need insulation the most.
Keep Water Flowing
A simple way to prevent burst pipes in winter is by keeping water moving through the system. When it gets especially cold, turn the faucets connected to exposed pipes on slightly. This keeps water flowing, which helps prevent freezing and the pressure buildup that causes pipes to burst.
Of course, you don’t need to keep all the faucets running. Just focus on the ones connected to pipes in uninsulated areas. It’s true that this will increase your water bill slightly, but dealing with a burst pipe is much more expensive. If you’re worried about potential leaks or weak points in your system, contact a trusted Essex County plumbing service to check things out.
Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Pipes
Cold air can sneak into your home through small gaps around pipes that enter your house. Most people overlook these entry points, but they can cause the pipes inside your walls to freeze. You can protect pipes from winter drafts by inspecting the areas where they enter your home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, and sealing any gaps or cracks with caulk or spray foam insulation.
If your Essex County home is older, you’ll want to pay more attention to this, since the drafts can significantly affect the temperature of interior pipes. Moreover, sealing any gaps and cracks makes your home more energy-efficient in addition to keeping your pipes from bursting.
Know Where Your Main Water Valve Is
Sometimes winter plumbing issues are unavoidable, even when you take all the necessary precautions. One of the most critical things every Essex County homeowner should know is what to do when pipes burst, as well as where their main water shutoff valve is located. If a pipe does burst, shutting off the main water valve ASAP can mitigate the water damage.
The shutoff valve is usually located near where the water line enters your home, like the basement or utility room. You should also make sure everyone in your household knows how to find the water shutoff valve and what to do when pipes burst. If you’re not sure where the main valve is or need help accessing it, there are many plumbing services Essex County residents trust to help.
Service Your Water Heater
The winter months cause it to go into overdrive, so you need to make sure to prepare your water heater for winter. It can struggle to keep up with the increased demand for hot water if it hasn’t been serviced recently. When that happens, your water temperatures may be inconsistent, or the heater can break down completely.
A good way to prevent these issues and prepare your water heater for winter is to have it inspected and serviced by a professional. The plumber will check for sediment buildup and make sure all components are in good working condition. This extends your water heater’s life and guarantees you won’t be left without hot water in the dead of winter.
Keep Your Home Warm
Keeping your home’s temperature consistent, even when you’re not around, plays a huge role in preventing frozen pipes. It’s definitely tempting to lower your thermostat to save on heating costs while you’re at work or away for the weekend, but that comes with an increased risk of your pipes freezing and bursting.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your home’s temperature above 55°F, even when you’re not there. You can also open the cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. If you plan on being away for an extended period, consider shutting off your water supply and draining your system to prevent any potential problems.
Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
Being proactive about them is by far the best way to prevent winter plumbing emergencies. You can give yourself peace of mind by scheduling a professional inspection before the cold weather sets in. During the inspection, a licensed plumber will check your pipes, water heater, and drainage system to make sure everything is working properly.
More specific concerns, like whether your home’s water pressure is appropriate for the winter season or if your sump pump is ready for winter storms, can also be addressed by plumbing professionals. You can often catch small issues and prevent winter plumbing emergencies when you work with reputable plumbing services in Essex County.
Getting Your Plumbing Ready for Winter
Following these winter plumbing tips plays a huge role in preventing winter plumbing emergencies. From insulating exposed pipes to servicing your water heater, taking the time to winterize your plumbing can save you from costly repairs. If you’re not sure where to start, or need expert help, just call a local plumbing service Essex County homeowners trust.
