As winter sets in and we cozy up inside the house for the coming months, there are a few winter chores we have to deal with every year, like shoveling snow and plowing driveways. However, some things like protecting pipes tend to get neglected. It is important to take the time to prepare your plumbing for cold weather so that you don’t run into the inconvenience and expense of frozen or busted pipes down the road. Be ready for winter this year by keeping these tips for your pipes in mind.
- It is always a good idea to insulate pipes in the basement or attic with fiberglass or foam rubber sleeves since they are more prone to freezing. If your pipes are on the walls and the walls are not properly insulated, investing in new insulation in the walls can give you peace of mind for years to come.
- Heating tape. Another solution for pipes that are prone to freezing is heating tape that is wrapped around the pipes to warm them up. This may be a better solution than insulation sleeves in some cases since it actually applies heat. The sleeves simply insulate the pipes from the cold air around them.
- Seal gaps. In places where your pipes come into the house, there may be a little space in the wall or floor around the pipe. Filling this gap in with spray foam or caulk will prevent the cold outside air from coming in and will help to protect your pipes.
- If you are traveling over the winter months, be sure to leave your heat set above 50 degrees to prevent your pipes from freezing.
If you need help insulating your plumbing or find yourself in the unfortunate situation of experiencing a burst pipe this winter, the pros at Efficient Plumbing are here to help. Visit our website or reach out to us at (720 606-9967.