What Snow And Ice Mean For Your Plumbing

Winter weather can be beautiful to look at, but when it comes to the home cleanup, well, the results aren’t always as pleasant. 

Though most homeowners might first think about the shoveling and cleaning of snow off their front lawn and driveway, another concern that comes when the temperatures start to drop, is your plumbing. Bitter cold nights (when not prepared) can leave a mess of your plumbing, too. 

With the winter weather upon us, here’s what it means for your pipes.

Heat Loss For Your Pipes

A drop in temperature can lead to frozen or burst pipes; however, there are several steps you can take to make sure your not victim to a significant plumbing emergency the next morning.

Consider Insulation

For exposed hot and cold water pipes, natural DIY insulation can prevent freezing in the winter months. If you have any pipes that are in an unheated space, like a garage, insulating those can help prevent freezing, too. This can be done with a foam sleeve found at your local hardware store.

Keep A Consistent Temperature

Your indoor temperature can also be the culprit in the form of an unexpected pipe burst. One way to protect them from a freeze or flood is to keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature day and night. Doing so will keep your pipes and the water in them warm.

Keep A Constant Flow

By turning on a slow drip on a faucet (preferably in your shower or tub), you create a consistent flow of water, making it impossible to freeze. Even the slightest drip on the coldest nights will help. 

If you do happen to find yourself with unexpected pipe burst, the experts at Scott Hale are here to help. You call today, we come today.