You’ve Got Cold Hearted Plumbing

With the up and coming winter months, we all have to be prepared for potential damage the cold will cause. You have to worry about icy roads, shoveling snow, and you can’t forget to cover up those pretty plants in the front yard! But one thing that most people fail to even consider, is the potential problems you’ll have with your plumbing due to icy temperatures. The last thing anyone wants is a frozen water pipe and a fountain in their living room.

It is always ideal to have some sort of home insurance or renter’s insurance. You’ll never guess when you’ll have a leak, and you’ll guess where you might have one…and most importantly, you’ll never guess which personal property of your own will get ruined first. Unfortunately, water is just as destructive as fire in effect on your furniture, wall structure, flooring, etc. Everyone needs to be prepared for disastrous situations like this.

It is always a very good preventative measure to go ahead and inspect the water pipes at are exposed to the outside elements. Ensure that there is insulation properly installed, and fitted around the pipe in a way that none of that actual surface of the pipe is exposed. If your house is off-grade, essentially meaning that there is access underneath your house; you will want to ensure that those pipes are insulated as well. If one of those pipes were to burst, you might not even realize it until the damage to the structural footing of the house has already been done. Another important area to look for water pipes in your home that need to be insulated, would be in your attic. You definitely do not want it raining inside your home. Make sure you check your garage, for water-heater pipes, or pipes to a possible water-softener, because this area is often exposed to the elements with no form of climate control.

I have heard many people express that it is ideal to repair dripping faucets and whatnot, however in this particular case, it might be a good thing. The water that is in your pipes is more likely to freeze if the water is still. It is always a good idea to consider leaving a few plumbing fixtures to drip ever so slightly to prevent this. You might be worried about the cost of the wasted water, but consider the cost of the damage that could potential be cause by a shattered water pipe.