Plumbing problems do not need a specific time to arise, but the harsh winter season can especially wreck your plumbing system in many ways. However, you can avoid certain habits so that the plumbing system works properly, and you don’t need to call a plumber for a minor problem. Here are a few things that cause plumbing disasters and how you can prevent them from saving yourself from plumbing troubles in the winter.
Frozen pipes and ways to prevent them
If your region’s temperature drops below the freezing point in the winter, then frozen pipes are the most common plumbing problem you face every year. Since the water volume expands with freezing, the pipes might burst due to the water pressure. Waterlogging due to bursting pipes cause damages worth thousands of dollars.
So to prevent this, you can take certain measures:
⦁ For outdoor pipes: To prevent your outdoor pipes from getting frozen, you need to cut off any water supply from the outside using the shut-off valves while the temperature is well above the freezing point.
⦁ For indoor pipes: The solution is simple for the indoor pipes. You need to maintain the temperature of the interior above 13 degrees to prevent freezing. But, this applies even when you are away from home.
Insulate the water heater
Nothing is worse than suddenly discovering that the water heater has broken down on one fine winter morning. Water heaters working efficiently can save a lot of money. Keep the water heater’s area as warm as possible by closing all the openings to the outside.
You can also ensure that you get a continuous hot water supply by adding insulation around it in the winter. It helps to keep more heat than the system produces and keeps the water warmer than usual.
Clear clogged and stopped drains
To prevent any clogging, you need to keep the drains clear that are clogged due to snow. It might also happen that the uncleaned leaves from the fall season and the debris around the drains are causing damage to the pipes.
Keeping the drainage clean means that water won’t get clogged up and seep into the house. If the water flow is blocked, it can stand still and flood the basement. Sometimes even the logged water in the discharge line freezes in the winter, which might crack the pipes.
Knowing when to call a professional
Although some issues you can be solved on your own, some major troubles can affect your house’s plumbing system. Professional help is advised with these events to ensure safety. Feel free to contact Kuras Gas and Electrical Services Ltd for more details.