Winter’s chill isn’t the only thing that could make you cold. Your pipes may freeze, and you don’t want a plumbing tragedy around the holidays. A plumber in Waukesha WI can assist you traverse these cold waters and prepare your home’s plumbing for winter. How we prepare our homes for the freeze and how you can too.
Start with outside faucets. Unchecked, they might be the first to die in frigid conditions. Installation of frost-proof faucets and hose disconnections can save you a lot of difficulty. As with a warm coat before going out in the snow, it keeps the chill-out and the warmth in.
Next, insulate pipes. Exposed pipes are like bear skin in a blizzard—they can’t survive. Foam insulation is quick and easy and can prevent pipes from exploding. Imagine wrapping your pipes in a warm blanket to keep them warm on icy days.
Remember your water heater. Winter is when it works hardest, and a little care can help. Flushing the system to eliminate dirt enhances efficiency and appliance life, like cleaning a dryer vent. A comfortable 120-degree thermostat can keep things hot without raising your energy costs.
What about indoor leaks? Even a trickle can freeze in cold weather, obstructing pipes and increasing pressure. Fixing leaks now is like closing windows before a storm—a minor step that can avert enormous damage.
Winterizing is essential for sump pump owners. Keeping it clean, and operable, and the discharge line clear can mean the difference between a dry basement and an indoor pool in spring. Like inspecting drains before rain, it minimizes flooding.
Keep faucets linked to exposed pipes running with a trickle. Moving water freezes slower, which may seem wasteful, but it protects against burst pipe repairs. The same as driving in a snowstorm—stopping could get you stuck.