It’s important to note that frozen pipes are a common problem in Michigan during winter. Low temperatures and concomitant frost formation may lead to pipe freeze and burst, which results in damage expenses for repair works and may consume more time. You must address these common winter plumbing issues when preparing your plumbing system. This guide presents doable measures and advice that professionals can undertake to safeguard the plumbing system of homes. A trusted Plumbing Service Repairs can help ensure that Michigan’s freezing temperatures don’t harm your pipes.
Why Do Pipes Freeze in Winter?
Frost occurs when water within pipes solidifies, expanding and developing pressure. This pressure often results in pipe bursts, leakages, and costly water damage. You can prevent some risks through preventative measures, while a reliable plumbing repair service must address others. Now, let’s look at some of the techniques that can help minimize the chances of freezing pipes this winter.
Key Strategies to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Insulate Exposed Pipes
The best way to prevent the formation of ice is to cover all the exposed parts of the pipes. Insulation prevents the pipes’ temperature from dropping.
- Identify At-Risk Areas: Water pipes located in cold zones, such as basements, attics, or garages, should receive more attention.
- Use Proper Insulation Materials: Foam pipe insulation, fiberglass wrappings, and even electric heat tapes are among the best solutions. A professional Plumbing Service Repairs contractor can advise you on the correct type of insulation to use in your home.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Tiny fissures and spaces in walls around doors, windows, the floor, or any structure can allow cold air to penetrate and cool the pipes.
- Inspect Exterior Walls: One should compare the areas where pipes penetrate the walls and floors or where pipes penetrate the exterior walls because cold air most often gains entry to these locations.
- Seal with Caulk or Foam: Using caulk or other foam to fill any cracks also reduces cold air so that pipes that are usually transported in the area should not freeze quickly. One of these tips can prevent any Plumbing Service Repairs during the cold winter in Michigan.
Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature
Temperature regulation ensures that the system does not freeze in any part of the house or near most plumbing fixtures.
- Set Thermostat to a Minimum Temperature: It is also essential to set the thermostat to not lower than 55°F, even though you may be out of the house for quite some time.
- Open Cabinet Doors: In colder districts and under kitchen and bathroom sinks, opening the cabinet doors increases the warmth around the pipes.
Let Faucets Drip
Turning your faucets on and letting a tiny amount of water run from them can also help reduce pressure on pipes and may prevent them from bursting.
- Choose Faucets Connected to Exposed Pipes: Pay extra attention to faucets that are most likely to freeze – those incorporated in walls or floors that are exposed to low temperatures, like outside walls or garages.
- Monitor Water Flow: A little running water could help prevent a pipe from freezing and eliminate the need to call an emergency Plumbing Service.
Winterizing Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Having hoses connected causes pipes to freeze, including on your property’s interior.
- Disconnect All Hoses: Always pull out all connecting hoses from outside faucets, as water tends to freeze there.
- Drain and Store Hoses: Storing and draining hoses when necessary helps maintain their lifespan and decrease the chances of freezing.
Install Outdoor Faucet Covers
Faucet winterizers also come preformed for the outdoors, protecting against those frigid temperatures freezing your faucet.
- Attach Insulated Covers: They are straightforward to install, and they can make a huge difference in blocking cold air.
- Use Freeze-Proof Faucets if Possible: Many Plumbing Service Repairs experts in Michigan suggest installing freeze-proof faucets as a long-term solution.
Winterize Sprinkler Systems
The sprinkler system must be drained when winter approaches to prevent freezing.
- Drain the System Properly: Close the valves that supply water into the system and drain any water that remains in the system.To prevent this problem, you should take action to avoid frozen pipes and maintain your home’s structural stability during Michigan’s winter months.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
Pipes can freeze in extreme conditions, no matter how many precautions have been taken to prevent that. Here’s what to do if you encounter frozen pipes:
Turn Off the Water Supply
The first process in the prevention of damages is to shut off your home water supply.
- Locate the Main Shut-Off Valve: At least every human should know where their main valve is at any given time so as to be able to act if each is called for.
- Contact a Professional Immediately: A Plumbing Service Repairs specialist can come over to examine the situation, and if thawing the pipe is necessary, this will be done safely.
Try Safe Thawing Methods
If only a specific section of the pipe is frozen, safely thaw it.
- Use a Hair Dryer or Heat Lamp: Use heat from the tap side moving towards the frozen area in order to prevent sudden shock to the pipe.
- Avoid Open Flames: Never attempt to thaw pipes using a torch or flame. This is highly dangerous, defeating the purpose of line freezing, and also poses a severe fire risk hazard.
Be Prepared for Leaks
The expansion and contraction lead to invisible cracks in the pipes; thus, water leaks slowly.
- Check for Water Damage: Check your walls, floors, and ceilings to identify any signs that you have a water damage problem.
- Schedule a Plumbing Inspection: It is advisable to hire a Plumbing Service Repairs provider to diagnose your pipes. This will prevent future problems that may lead to leakage.
Partner with GoGetFix for Winter-Ready Plumbing
It might sound funny, but preventive measures for freezing pipes in the winter not only lessen this problem but also spare the homeowner from working with broken pipes. That is why, at the #GoGetFix company, we focus on how we can ensure the residents of Michigan can stay safe during the winter season. When it comes to insulation and professional inspections, our plumbing service repairs experts have it all. To learn more about how to winter-proof your plumbing and offer our help to protect your home against winter, call us today.
Conclusion
Take action to prevent frozen pipes and maintain your home’s structural stability during Michigan’s winter months. Even if you can’t do the major things like moving plumbing to a warmer area, insulating pipes, sealing gaps, and maintaining indoor temperature effectively prevent many winter plumbing problems. Just say, despite all measures, one can stay protected from acts of providence at all. That’s why acquiring the services of a reputable plumbing service repairs firm is inevitable.
At GOGETFIX, we know things are a little different in Michigan, and that includes the extreme winters. Professional plumbers from our team are ready to offer you the most suitable advice for the proper maintenance of your plumbing system. You don’t want to wait for disaster to strike and be a victim of burst pipes that cause your home to freeze. Call us today for a consultation and solutions to your winter plumbing problems. Let our experienced team provide you with a first-class service and reach your goals.