Cold weather can present some significant challenges for your home, but one of the areas where you need to keep a close watch is on your plumbing. When the temperatures dip, if your plumbing is not prepared for the winter weather, the end result can be clogged drains, damaged pipes, and even flooding.
The pipes in your home are designed for normal temperatures, and while pipes today are capable of making up for some cooler temperatures, once the weather dips below freezing (especially at night), there is a risk that the pipes could rupture. The average cost for repairs following a burst pipe, according to State Farm Insurance, is around $15,000, and that doesn’t take into account the inconvenience and work that you’ll have to go through for a flooded home.
The most common areas where pipes burst are on the exterior of the home. As the weather cools down, turn off any water that goes to exterior pipes such as a hose, and if you have interior plumbing pipes near the exterior of your home or in an area that gets cold, such as an unfinished basement, you can cover them with insulation to prevent freezing. Keep an eye on the weather forecast as well, and if you are going to be out of town when it’s particularly cold or you know the temperatures are going to dip to an extreme level, it’s advisable to leave your water on at a slow trickle to keep water flowing.
Another part of your plumbing that is essential for the winter weather is your water heater—after all, a cold shower might not ever be ideal, but it’s particularly chilling in the middle of winter. Have a plumber in Salt Lake City come and check your water heat to ensure it’s running optimally, checking the tank for any repairs or replacement parts needed to ensure you have a steady flow of warm water during the cold weather. You may also be considering turning up the temperature of the water heater when it’s cold, but keep it at or below 125 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent energy waste and avoid getting scalded when you turn on the warm water.
If you prefer to spend your winters in a place without those freezing temperatures, it’s even more important that you get your plumbing checked before you head south. Even a minor leak or problem with your pipes could turn into an expensive disaster if it goes unnoticed for months before you return home. Call a professional plumber in Salt Lake City to discuss what you need to do to—including potentially shutting off the water, draining your pipes, or insulating areas that are prone to freeze.
Nobody wants to end up with damaged plumbing from frozen pipes, and fortunately some quick preventive maintenance from a plumber in Salt Lake City today can help keep pipes from having trouble as the winter season arrives.
All Hours Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating, and Cooling provides affordable plumbing, HVAC and fireplace services in Salt Lake City, UT. We offer 24 hour emergency services and we’re dedicated to providing the absolute highest quality service at the best prices. We don’t over bid, and we don’t under bid with the idea of tacking on hidden fees; we simply give honest prices with honest answers.
Our complete lines of Salt Lake City plumbing and HVAC services include everything from drain cleaning and water heater replacement, to air conditioning repair and furnace maintenance. No matter what you need (or when you need it!), when it comes to your plumbing or HVAC, we have you covered. Reach out to us when you need plumbing or HVAC help, and we’ll show you how easy it can be to get your home’s systems working well again soon!