Plumber Tips: How To Prepare Your Indoor And Outdoor Plumbing For The Winter | Conway, SC

9/22/2021

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Having frozen pipes is a major plumbing emergency. When the pipes expand and burst, the water will cause flooding in your home. You’re lucky when it doesn’t damage the foundation of your home. When it does, expect to pay a fortune in repairs, replacements, and other restorations. Call a plumber in Conway, SC, right away so they can help you thaw the pipes and prevent water damage.

Signs You Have Frozen Pipes

How do you know you may have frozen pipes? Check the signs below:

Temperature Drop

It’s common knowledge that plumbing pipes can freeze when they’re not insulated during winter. If you don’t insulate them, you may have frozen pipes when the temperature drops below zero. Listen to the weather forecast, so you know what to expect and properly insulate the pipes, so they don’t freeze. If you need help, you can always contact a professional for assistance.

No Water

When the temperature drops below zero, and you have no water, that may be a sign that your pipes are now frozen. As soon as you find out the pipes are frozen, check all of your plumbing fixtures to see which one is at risk for bursting. You can prevent water damage by calling a professional right away. A good plumber can help you thaw the pipes, so they don’t burst.

Frost Building Up in the Pipes

During winter, periodically check all the exposed pipes in your homes, especially under the sink. If frost has started to form in your pipes, that could mean that it’s already freezing or has begun to freeze. You need to insulate these pipes right away to prevent further damage.

As a homeowner, don’t wait until the pipes have begun to freeze before insulating them. As soon as the temperature starts dropping, what you need to do is buy some insulating blankets at the store and insulate all the exposed pipes in your home. If you need more help, contact a professional.

Why Do Pipes Burst in the Winter?

The water expands when it freezes, and this can put a lot of pressure on your pipes. Whether it’s metal or plastic, the force can cause the pipes also to expand and crack.

Those pipes that have little to no insulation are mostly at risk for bursting. Pipes located under the sinks, basements, kitchen cabinets are at great risk for bursting or cracking. Your outdoor plumbing has the greatest risk of freezing and bursting. Before winter comes or when the temperature drops, take time to inspect your pipes and insulate them properly. Good insulation can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Should you need additional help, you can always contact a plumber in Conway, SC.

Tips for Preparing your Indoor Plumbing

1. Buy some insulation blankets at your nearest shop and insulate the pipes in the attic, crawl spaces, and basements. Insulation can help raise the temperature in those areas and avoid freezing. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact a plumbing company near you.
2. Should you decide to go on a vacation, ensure that your home’s temperature is not lower than 55 degrees. You may also ask a friend or a family member to check on your home from time to time if you’ll be out for several weeks or months. Give them the plumber’s phone number to call in case there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
3. Do you have water supply lines in the garage? Then make sure that the door is closed. You need to also repair any broken doors or windows to help regulate your home’s temperature.
4. Consider turning on your faucet just a little bit so it can drip a tiny amount of water in extreme temperatures to keep water moving through your plumbing pipes.

Preparing Your Outdoor Plumbing

Take time to prepare your outdoor plumbing as they are at more risk for freezing. It’s best to turn off the water supply to avoid burst pipes outdoors. First, you need to find all the exterior faucets, including pool supply lines and sprinklers. Then find the shut-off valves for each plumbing fixture, which are usually located close to the main shut-off valves. Ensure that you turn the lever to the “off” position, then go outside and open each of the faucets to drain all the water in them. Go back to the shut-off valve and remove the cap to drain the remaining water. Finally, replace the bleeder cap and turn off each of the faucets.

What Do I Do When I Suspect I Have Frozen Pipes?

If you think you may have frozen pipes at home, relieve the pressure by opening the faucet. That should reduce the chance of the pipe bursting. You can also try using the hairdryer to warm the pipe while waiting for a plumber for help.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to help you thaw frozen pipes at home or if you need help with insulating your pipes. Our plumbers are highly skilled and experienced and always available to help.

Contact a Plumber at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach

Do you need a plumber in Conway, SC today? Whether you need help with your pipes or any other plumbing issue, call us immediately. We offer emergency services as we want to fully serve all the residents. Get in touch with us if you suspect that there might be a problem with your plumbing, and we’ll be there in the soonest possible time. Don’t worry; our plumbers are known for always being punctual. We are never late! We also assure all our customers that we never leave your home unless you are fully and completely satisfied with the service we provide. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we aim to always exceed expectations. Call us today for an appointment.