Homeowners in regions where temperatures regularly drop below freezing have extra responsibilities for keeping their homes safe and functional. When it comes to plumbing systems, preparing your pipes for winter is a must, especially when frozen pipes can cause costly damage.
To save time and money, be proactive and work with Jolly Plumbing. We offer winter plumbing preparation and repair services, helping prevent frozen pipes even during the harshest winter weather.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Problem
Frozen pipes are unlike other frozen objects that you can simply thaw out and start using again. When water in metal or plastic pipes freezes, it expands and causes pipes to crack or burst, leading to severe water damage like flooding. Beyond structural damage, you may also have to deal with expensive bills for emergency plumbing services, water cleanup, and property restoration.
Winterizing your plumbing system saves you from these costly issues. Knowing that your pipes are ready for freezing season, you can rest assured that they will continue working as intended, regardless of the temperature outside. Jolly Plumbing’s repairs and installations are available for all pipes in your home, keeping your plumbing system in check.
Top Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
Pipes freeze if you leave them unprotected. Here are different ways to prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Exposed pipes in your basements, attics, or exterior walls are most vulnerable to freezing. Wrap them with heat tape or foam insulation made for pipes to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Seal Drafts: Cold air can easily find its way into your home through small gaps and cracks, especially near your windows, doors, and exterior walls. Sealing these drafts is an effective way to keep pipes warm. Check for drafts near your pipes and use caulking, weather stripping, or expanding foam to seal them.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Pipes under sinks are often in cabinets, which can prevent warm air from reaching them. On cold days and nights, open cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate around pipes.
- Keep Your Thermostat Consistent: While lowering the thermostat at night can save energy, keeping your home’s temperature steady during cold spells is better. Set the thermostat to a consistent temperature, ideally between 60 to 68°F.
Jolly Plumbing is ready to provide professional winterization assistance through our expert plumbing services. We can help you identify vulnerable pipes in your home, insulate them, and suggest other preventive measures.
What to Do if Your Pipes Start to Freeze
Some signs of freezing pipes include no running water or low water pressure. You may also observe bulging, condensation, cracks, and gurgling sounds from pipes or a strange smell from your water. If you notice a pipe showing any of these signs, act quickly to avoid a burst pipe. Follow these steps:
- Turn on Faucets: Turn on the hot and cold taps at a trickle. This small stream of water can relieve pressure in the pipes. Allowing water to move through the pipes can also make it easier for the pipe to warm up.
- Warm the Area: Use a hairdryer, space heater, or heating pad to warm the area around the frozen pipe. Focus on the pipe section closest to the faucet first and work toward the frozen section. Never use an open flame, and take extra caution when using electrical appliances near water.
- Contact a Professional: If your pipes remain frozen despite your efforts, contact a professional plumber immediately. Attempting to thaw pipes without the right equipment can be risky.
Jolly Plumbing is available for emergency plumbing services. Contact our team to address urgent situations and prevent extensive damage to your home.
Financing Options for Winter Plumbing Preparations
Winterizing plumbing systems may require an upfront investment that might put strain on your household budget. Jolly Plumbing offers financing options to make it easier for you to prepare for the cold season, whether you need insulation, new installations, or emergency repairs.
Our plans can help you manage costs without financial strain, so you never have to push the safety and functionality of your plumbing system to the bottom of your to-do list. Winter always brings challenges, and we aim to make it easier for you to handle them.
Prevent Frozen Pipes With Jolly Plumbing
Protecting your pipes helps you avoid unplanned, expensive repairs and water damage during and after winter. To prevent frozen pipes, insulate them, seal drafts, open cabinet doors, and maintain a steady temperature in your home. If your pipes do freeze, relieve pressure by turning on the taps at a trickle, warming the area, and contacting a professional for help.
At Jolly Plumbing, we are experts in comprehensive winterization services. Our team is eager to make your home in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky well-prepared for cold weather. Do not wait until the temperature drops to take action. Contact us today for pipe winterization services and peace of mind!
