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Winter pipe problems happen to the best of us. They can cause many issues in your home or business. That’s why you need to be prepared for the winter and know what to do to prevent any problems. In this article, you will learn 5 tips to stop winter pipe problems before they start.
Keep Your Faucets Running
One way to prevent any winter pipe problems is to keep one or two faucets running slowly at all times. When you are living or working in a place that has extremely cold weather, so this can prevent the pipes from freezing. This is because moving water eliminates the chance that the pipes will freeze. You don’t have to have the faucets running fast, even just letting them drip will work to eliminate winter pipe problems.
Stay Warm to Prevent Winter Pipe Problems
To prevent winter pipe problems, keep your home or business warm. You can do this by keeping the temperature of 32 degrees, especially in areas of your home or business where water lines are located. You can also direct warm air to any colder areas of your home. Look for pipes near the outside of your home or business and protect those first.
Check the Main Water Shutoff Valve
Before the winter season starts, make sure to check that your main water shut off valve works properly. If it doesn’t turn properly, call a plumber to help you fix it. That way, if you experience low water pressure or no water at all, you can turn the valve off completely. This will help prevent any winter pipe problems before a plumber can get out to help you fix the issues.
Insulate Your Pipes
An effective way to prevent winter pipe problems is to insulate the pipes in your home or business. This will create an extra barrier against the cold. If you are concerned about regular insulation not being enough protection, you can always add a thicker layer for winter. You might have to spend a little bit of money, but it will be less than dealing with frozen or broken pipes.
Fix Any Exterior Cracks
Before the winter arrives, walk around your home or business to find any cracks. Cracks will introduce the cold to the inside of the building -this will increase the chance of winter pipe problems. To avoid this, fill all of those cracks with spray foam insulation and caulking. This will keep your home or business warmer and avoid any issues.
Now you know 5 tips to stop winter pipe problems before they start. Remember to keep faucets running, direct warm air to the colder areas and keep the temperature above 32 degrees. Also remember to check the main shut off valve, insulate your pipes, and fix any exterior cracks. These tips will help keep your home or business safe from any winter pipe problems you can imagine. As long as you prepare, you can prevent major expenses this winter season.