When it comes to protecting your Florida home’s plumbing system in the winter, you can take certain preventative measures to maintain it.
It is common knowledge that water expands when it freezes. Frozen water in your plumbing system can, therefore, spell doom as your pipes can crack and flood your home with water.
As experienced plumbers in Boca Raton, FL, we understand that your plumbing system undergoes more duress than usual during the winter holiday season due to increased bustle from guests.
If you haven’t already taken proper preventative measures for safeguarding your home’s plumbing in the cold weather, now is the time.
But before you reach for your phone and type plumber near me in Google search, go through the following tips to winter-proof your plumbing.
1. Turn Off Outside Water Valves
As the winter chill intensifies and the temperature plummets below the freezing point, the water pipes in your home can rupture. This, in turn, can flood and ruin your home.
To prevent your water pipes from freezing, you should turn off all outside water valves. Follow this up by locating pipes in the insulated areas of your home, such as those placed along the outer walls. These pipes will likely freeze in the winter and should be wrapped with towels for the entire cold season.
2. Insulate Pipes
Another easy way to prevent frozen pipes is by using foam sheaths as insulation. Ensure that you insulate the entire length of the pipe. Start from the area where your home’s main water line emerges from the ground and take it up to the location from where it enters your home.
Further, don’t forget to insulate the pipes that are placed outside the heated areas of your home. These include the basement, the attic, and outdoor hose bibs.
This may not be an easy DIY job. If you have any trouble with it, call a reliable plumber in Boca Raton, FL for reliable help.
3. Maintain Appropriate Indoor Temperature
You may decide to take a vacation during the winter holiday season. Consequently, you might consider turning down the heat in your home to save energy. However, remember that turning it too low will heighten the probability of frozen and/or ruptured pipes, resulting in massive damage to your home.
It is, therefore, best to not set the home’s temperature any lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This setting will not only prevent your pipes from freezing but also offer energy and cost savings.
4. Shut Off Water Supply before Going on Vacation
Another precaution to take, if you decide to leave town for the holidays, is to turn the water off at the main shut-off point. This way, even if your frozen pipes do crack, you will have much less damage to deal with.
5. Don’t Clog Drains and Disposal
More often than not, spending the holidays at home means preparing some of the most elaborate meals. That being said, it is necessary to dispose of the related messes and scraps of food properly to minimize the stress on your plumbing system.
For instance, the grease and fat that accumulate when cooking should never be poured down the drain as they can solidify and block your pipes. Instead, let the fats solidify in the cookware itself and then scrape the solids into the trash.
As far as your garbage disposal is concerned, turn it on and then add the waste into it. Once it has done its job, shut it off and pour plenty of water down the drain to completely clear the system.
6. Ensure Your Water Heater Runs Optimally
Your water heater becomes an indispensable part of your home’s plumbing in the cold months. If it doesn’t work well, life can be quite uncomfortable. It is best to hire a professional plumber in Boca Raton, FL to service the machine by inspecting the tank’s anode rods. The plumber will be the best person to recommend any repairs or replacements, if necessary.
7. Leave Faucets Running during Intensified Chill
During a sudden cold wave, an open faucet can serve as a relief valve for the pressure that builds in pipes when they freeze. This pressure relief can prevent your frozen pipes from cracking, or worse, bursting. While the trickling water will add to your water bill, it will spare you some major home and plumbing repair costs.
However, if your drain is located on an exterior wall, avoid leaving the faucet running as the drain can freeze while your sink overflows.
If this seems complicated, avoid attempting a DIY. Get a knowledgeable, licensed, and insured plumber in Boca Raton, FL to check out your plumbing system and put the necessary measures in place.
Conclusion
As you may have probably understood by now, you can prevent several common winter-season plumbing issues by being proactive. The above maintenance tips will help you safeguard your plumbing system throughout the frosty months.
Remember, in winter, even the smallest plumbing problem can wreak havoc in your otherwise comfortable home. Don’t wait for small issues to get out of hand and turn into major ones. Call a professional plumber in Boca Raton, FL as soon as possible. Be cautious and stay safe!
Call Our Skilled Plumbers in Boca Raton!
The seasoned and licensed plumbers at Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration are well-known for providing high-quality services throughout Boca Raton, Florida. You can rely on our professionalism, timeliness, and friendliness to give our best shot and meet your specific plumbing needs not just in the win, but all through the year.
Call us now at (561) 782-2779 or visit our website to learn more about our services and schedule a service call.
