How to Prepare your Home’s Plumbing System for Winter in Kitchener

This is because once the winter starts getting colder in Kitchener every homeowner needs to ensure that their plumbing systems are protected from the freezing temperatures. Damage caused by frozen pipes, water leakage or burst pipes as well as other problems commonly associated with winter can be financially embarrassing and an inconvenience to the building owner. It becomes critical to prepare your home’s plumbing system for winter to improve its performance during the cold season. Let’s discuss guidelines in this article on how to manage your plumbing system for winter and why you need a plumber Kitchener.

 

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

This is undoubtedly one of the best approaches that can help in order to avoid the formation of frozen pipes – to insulate the ones which are exposed to low temperatures. Piping which is installed in the attic, basement, crawlspace, or against exterior walls is most susceptible to freezing during the winter in Kitchener. It also prevents freezing of water in these pipes through insulating of foam sleeves, fiberglass insulation or heat tape.

 

Tip: Target on places with little insulation including the car ports, the attic or the space below the sink where the pipes get in contact with cold air. If you are now in doubt as to which of the pipes require insulation, Kitchener certified plumbers can assist you with evaluating your plumbing system.

 

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Pipes

Draft is mostly felt when cold air infiltrates the house through spaces such as gaps between window or door and where pipes penetrate the walls of a house. These drafts can also lead to extreme temperatures where plumbing has been put in place; which can result in frozen pipes. Closing these gaps with caulk or foam works in maintaining temperature in homes and also ensure that cold air cannot reach the vulnerable pipes.

 

Tip: In the work performed on your premises, inspect areas where pipes travel through external walls and where other piping penetrates your home. Over and above this, sealing these openings can also help to enhance the energy efficiency of your home during the winter.

 

3. Maintain Sandridge House’s Temperature

It is important to keep indoor temperatures as steady as possible during the winter in order to avoid pipe freeze. As a suggestion, should you have any intention of being away from your home for a long time it is advised that your thermostat be set not lower than 12°C (55°F). In as much as it is freezing outside it is very important not to let the temperature drop so low within your home because it may cause the pipes in the cold areas of the house to expand and burst apart.

 

Tip: If you think you may be away from home for an extended period or leave the house for the day, call a neighbor to turn up the heat occasionally.

 

4. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

When the chilling weather prevails in Kitchener it is recommended to open faucets slightly. Even if the water is flowing through the pipes slowly it may help the water inside the pipes not to freeze. Especially pipes that are threaded through the outer walls or are in cold areas, this is particularly helpful.

 

Tip: Turn on the supply valves for the pipes you suspect are weak, including those pipes that run under sinks, you only need to allow a small trickle of water. This is one of the best natural ways of preventing your plumbing system from freezing, all that with ease.

 

5. Drain Outdoor Hoses and Irrigation Systems

Water pipes in your house can freeze especially the hoses used for watering your garden, the sprinkler system and any other outdoor water facilities. Any water left in these systems can freeze and expand causing cracks or rupture of the system. Its prevention involves ensuring that all outside hoses have been removed both disconnected from their sources of water and drained before onset of winter. Additionally, turn off the supply of water to your backyard and empty any watering systems to enable their pipes will not freeze.

 

Tip: Turn hoses and other watering equipment off that is in the winters and make certain the outdoor taps are closed and emptied.

 

6. Consider a Pipe Heating System

People with the most susceptible pipes should consider a pipe heating system or heat cables as the best solution against freezing. These systems are fitted along the pipes and give out heat that keep the water within the pipes above FREEZING temperatures.

 

Tip: A plumber Kitchener can discuss with the homeowner if a pipe heating system is fitting for your house especially if the piping system in your house requires hard to insulate pipes or if the area where the pipes are located is very prone to freezing.

 

7. Know How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

As much as everyone tries to prevent pipes from freezing some will still freeze regardless. If you think you have a frozen pipe, do not wait as it can burst at any given time. Shut of the main water supply to avoid water dripping in case the pipe explodes. After that, thaw the pipe with a hairdryer, space heater or warm towels in order to avoid damaging the pipe. Do not use open flames or heat, because it can become dangerous for the pipe.

 

Tip: Should you fail to thaw the pipe or you are not very sure on the extent of freezing you see, then it is better to call Kitchener plumber for help.

 

Conclusion

It is crucial to prepare the plumbing system of your Kitchener home for winter to gain alternative options apart from a high-cost fix and a ruined home in the cold season. Preventing pipes from freezing can be easily avoided if pipes are insulated, gaps are sealed and temperatures are kept constant. Preventing and preparing your plumbing system to structural changes during the winter season can reduce the effects greatly. If you require help with winterizing your plumbing, or if you have a problem with pipes freezing, do not hesitate to contact a plumber Kitchener. The skills and years of operation they offer can assist in making certain your plumbing system is in one of the best states possible during the winter season.