Avoid winter plumbing problems
Here are the 3 most common winter plumbing problems and how to avoid them:
1. The pipes freeze and burst
Surface water freezes at 32 °F, but it usually has to be a little colder, around 20 °F, to freeze the water in the pipes. This is a general-principle, not a scientific law. Keep an eye on the temperature and when it drops, follow the steps below.
Let the tap drip
Water expands when it freezes and if it does not have room to expand because it is inside the pipes, the pipes are more likely to burst. Leave your taps to drip slowly. This does not prevent the water from freezing, but it gives it room to expand without breaking the pipes. For plumbing repairs, he calls a plumber in Birmingham.
Keep your pipes warm and insulated
You’ve put a jacket on yourself, the kids and the dog, but what about your pipes? Keeping pipes warm with pipe sleeves, heat tape, heat reflector lamps, or cables designed to prevent freezing can help keep them warm. Thus, you can purchase these items at your local home improvement store or contact a professional plumber to help you.
How to tell if a pipe has burst
There is usually a splashing, hissing or hitting noise associated with a burst pipe. You may also notice a strange odour in an unusual area of the house. This could be a sign of water damage. Incompatible water pressure is another sign that something is wrong. If you notice one or more of these, turn off the water and call your emergency plumber immediately!
Find the water shut-off valve.
If you suspect a broken pipe, turn off the water immediately! If the break is inside the house, this will help minimize water damage. Whether you don’t know where the valve is, it’s important to learn how to locate it and turn it off quickly. We recommend that you always turn off the water and empty the pipes if you are going on vacation. If you are out of town and a pipe bursts, you are not only observing severe water damage, but also a high water bill. Licensed plumbers at Urgent Plumber Birmingham can also help you locate your closure if you have plumbing problems to find your main closure.
2. External frozen faucets
Your outdoor faucets, also known as faucets or bibs, can freeze as easily as your pipes. Sometimes the damage goes unnoticed until spring. If left unattended until then, serious water damage can occur.
3. Drain backups due to food and grease in drains
You may not consider this a “winter” problem, but you will be surprised. The cold is tempting to simply dump the grease down the drain instead of taking it to the trash. This damages the pipes and can be even more difficult to repair in the winter.
The problem is that fats, grease and food accumulate inside the clogged drains. Even a waste disposal does not change this fact. A garbage disposal simply cuts food into smaller pieces. It does not liquefy food and fat. Smaller pieces can pile up just as easily as larger ones. Over time, this build up can lead to clogged drains and major plumbing repairs.
No matter what time of year it is, be sure to throw lard, meat fats, food scraps, cooking oils, grease, baked goods, dairy products and butter in the trash or compost outside. Your downloads and budget will thank you.
What is the final result?
A very uncomfortable winter plumbing problem. By adequately heating your home for the winter, you can avoid these winter plumbing problems. Enjoy your winter without worrying about your pipes! Call Birmingham Plumber at 01217900812.