When the weather starts to get chilly in Colorado, we think of the autumn leaves in the Rocky Mountains, and the holidays with family in the coming months. To make sure your home is comfortable and worry-free through the winter, it would be beneficial to check out any pipes which are outdoors or in an area of the house prone to cold temperatures to make sure they are not in danger of freezing. If you are searching for a Colorado Springs plumber for frozen pipes, we can help you minimize the risk of freezing pipes and maximize the energy efficiency of your home.
If you are searching for an experienced Colorado Springs plumber for frozen pipes near you, contact Jolly Plumbing at 719-473-8545 today.
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Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
Living in Colorado Springs, we know the ups and downs the local weather can have—we turn on the heater one day and the AC the next. No matter the season, our water pipes are vulnerable to the temperature inside and outside the home. Insulating your pipes could help save you a lot of trouble in the future, it can help prevent water freezing in the sporadic, Colorado winters, help your pipes last longer, and even save you money and energy in the summer. Insulating your Colorado Springs pipes is a great idea to help keep your pipes from freezing. Here are some reasons why.
The Most Common Pipes that Freeze
When water freezes, it expands into whatever container it has fallen into. However, metal pipes don’t have the flexibility to expand along with the water, which is why pipes burst in the cold. If your pipes are in an uninsulated or unconditioned place like a basement or a crawl space, they become much more susceptible to freezing.
The most vulnerable piping in your house is usually going to be outdoor lines such as sprinklers, basements, garages, and poorly insulated outer walls. Water can be trapped in these pipes during a cold snap, and as a result, they can burst the pipe once the water freezes then expands and cause damage to your home. In the middle of winter, a pipe bursting is surely the last thing you want to deal with.
Cold water pipes tend to collect moisture, which condenses on and around the pipe. If left uninsulated, the water droplets that have gathered over time will begin to leak onto the ground below it. This could cause stain marks at a minimum, but could also cause water damage if left untreated.
Winterize your Sprinkler Lines
You will want to winterize your outdoor sprinkler lines before the coldest part of the season kicks off. To winterize your Colorado Springs pipes you will need to drain your sprinkler system of any excess water. Consult any literature you were given with the system to ensure the proper procedure is followed for evacuating the lines. Hose valves are another outdoor line to watch out for, so drain the actual hose of any water and then disconnect the hose and store it for the winter. Hose valves will usually have a knob to close or open the valve, make sure the knob is set to open.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Insulating your pipes can prevent freezing, bursting, and leaking pipes as it keeps the cold temperature outside and the water untouched. Regulating the temperature of your pipes, the water inside will stay a consistent temperature (whether they are cold water pipes or hot water pipes), which means you don’t have to worry about unforeseen damage.
Extra insulation is always a good idea in the seldom-used cold areas of the house. These areas are usually crawl spaces, basements, and attics. You can use either a hard insulation or a soft fiberglass material to fortify the existing insulation. Check the labeling on any current insulation to make sure when you are buying new insulation that the material will bolster the pre-existing energy efficient qualities. You can also insulate individual pipes using various kinds of insulating tape and pipe sleeves.
Seal Leaks
Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Thoroughly seal leaks with caulk or insulation to help keep the cold out.
What if your Colorado Springs Pipes Freeze?
Sometimes, as prepared as we are for the winter with insulation, household heat, and proper airflow, pipes can still freeze. The first step if you find yourself in this situation is to locate where you believe the pipe froze and set up some heaters to help the ice thaw and allow water to flow. If you are able to diagnose a pipe freeze quickly enough then you can shut off the main water supply to the house while the pipe is thawing out. If the water isn’t shut off in a timely manner, then you risk the pipe bursting and causing flooding inside your home.
Contact an Experienced Colorado Springs Plumber for Frozen Pipes Near You
If you are searching for an experienced Colorado Springs plumber for frozen pipes near you, contact Jolly Plumbing at 719-473-8545 today.
Plumbing issues are never fun, and they always seem to happen at the worst times. There are many things we can do as homeowners to help keep our plumbing issues to a minimum but know when you need to call for a professional. If you’re in the Colorado Springs area, call Jolly Plumbing!
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