Don’t Forget to Protect Your Pipes This Winter!

Winter has finally arrived in the Annapolis area and with temperatures dipping close to single digits you will want to be sure that your plumbing is prepared for the frigid conditions. A burst or frozen pipe can result in a huge costly mess for you and your greatest investment.

Pipes located in areas of the home that are not protected by insulation are vulnerable to freezing.  In cold weather climates these pipes are located in crawl spaces, attics, the outside walls of buildings and basements.  It is crucial to take steps to prevent leaks or freezing of these pipes.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

If you haven’t already, drain garden hoses and shut off their supply lines for the entirety of winter.  The outside line of the hose should remain open though to allow any remaining water to drain.

Take measures to relocate or insulate exposed pipes to ensure protection from freezing.  You can also add insulation to the areas in which these pipes are located including the attic and crawl spaces. This will also help to maintain a higher temperature in the home.  Pipe sleeves or tape can also work to insulate pipes for a quick solution to protect unprotected pipes.

As temperatures continue to drop be sure to keep garage doors closed if any exposed pipes are located there.  Inside the house, it may be helpful to keep cabinets open under sinks to encourage warmer air to circulate around plumbing.  In extreme coldness you may allow water to drip from the faucets of exposed pipes to prevent freezing.

If you plan to leave your home for a prolonged period of time be sure to leave the thermostat above 55 degrees to maintain above freezing temperatures.  Otherwise, you will need to plan to have your home’s plumbing winterized.

With these simple steps you can help to avoid the threat of freezing and bursting pipes.  If major plumbing issues occur during the winter months, contact a professional.  Guardian Plumbing serves the Annapolis, MD area and offers 24-hour residential service for your winter plumbing needs.