Stop the Burst: Essential Winter Prep to Avoid Emergency Plumbing Repair

Winter has arrived. It might be warm today, but there will be intermittent cold days ahead for the next few months. Sometimes those temperatures can dip below the freezing point and stay low for several days in a row. For this reason, it is necessary to prep your home’s plumbing for winter weather.

Water is a very unusual substance. Most liquids contract (grow smaller) when they freeze. Water molecules align end to end when they freeze, resulting in expansion rather than contraction. The force created by expansion is very strong, and it will push relentlessly against container walls, including pipe walls. Without the release of force, the water will burst through the container. Prepare the plumbing in and around your home and prevent the bursting of water pipes. Here are several steps you can take to protect your home.

4 Simple Steps That Save You from Major Plumbing Repair

1. Identify your plumbing repair network. Locate your water meter where water leaves the municipal water supply and enters your property. Locate your main shutoff valve, the place where water enters your home. The water supply pipe will travel in a straight line between the meter and the shut-off valve. Trace the path of water pipes from the shutoff valve as it branches throughout the home. Don’t forget to trace outdoor water lines as well—sprinkler lines, pool supply lines, and exterior faucets.
2. Protect outdoor water lines. Your sprinkler system should have a method of water evacuation for the winter season. Follow the instructions and do not recharge the sprinkler system until cold weather has passed. The pool should also have a winterizing plan, which should include evacuation of the water supply lines and only recharge the system when you are ready to open the pool.
3. Protect water lines in transition. These are water supply lines that connect the outdoor and indoor supply lines. The valve for outdoor faucets are generally long, so it closes inside, keeping the water supply protected from the cold. Transitions also include water supply lines in partially conditioned spaces, such as garages and attics. Protection of these lines might include foam sleeves of pipe insulation and/or UL-listed heat tape. Find a heat tape with a thermostat, so it will turn on automatically when the temperature drops below freezing.
4. Protect the water lines indoors. Trace the path of the water supply line throughout the house; this can be useful for several reasons. These water lines are kept in conditioned space… until extreme weather conditions create a power outage. Without electricity, heating systems will not function, so the temperature will drop quickly. When that happens, there are several steps that can preserve the water lines. First, open the doors on vanities and cabinets under bathroom and kitchen sinks, especially those on outside walls. This allows warm air to circulate at the source of the water supply. Second, turn each faucet on and let the water drip slowly. Moving water does not have time to align and freeze, so keep the water moving slightly to prevent the water from freezing.

Frozen Pipe Protocol: When to Drip, When to Shut Off, and When to Call for Plumbing Repair

If you think the water line is frozen, here are some important indicators and remedial steps.

• Turn all the faucets. If the water flows freely, this is a good sign. If the water does not flow or flows at a trickle, anticipate a burst pipe. Repeat this process with appliances that use water.
• A burst pipe might not manifest immediately; it may take a while for the ice to melt. Watch for wet walls or ceilings or standing water.
• If you experience a burst pipe, go to the main shutoff valve and stop the flow of water immediately to limit damage. Call our plumbing repair experts to repair the line so that the water supply can be restored. Plumbing repair to the walls, ceilings, floors, and finishes can follow, but it will be important to get the water flowing again.

Schedule Your Winterizing Appointment to Avoid Plumbing Repair Now

Don’t leave your pipes vulnerable to the intense pressure of freezing water this season. While DIY steps are helpful, professional winterization can identify and protect hidden weak points in your home’s system, saving you thousands in disaster costs. Avoid the stress and expense of emergency plumbing repair caused by burst pipes. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-516-5935 or email Doctor Cool and let our licensed plumbing team schedule an appointment and ensure your entire system is completely prepared for the coldest weather ahead.