It’s hard to believe, but winter is almost here. And with it comes one of the most dreaded tasks of all: thawing your pipes.
Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to your plumbing system and property. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs of frozen pipes, implement preventive measures, and seek a professional plumber in London, KY, for assistance when needed.
If you’re like us, you probably don’t want to think about it—but if you don’t take care of your pipes now, you’re going to be in for a world of damage later on. That’s why we’ve put together this handy post so you can keep your pipes from freezing up and causing major headaches down the line!
What are the signs of frozen pipes?
Have you ever noticed your faucet turning into a block of ice? Or maybe you’ve noticed that the water in your shower just won’t get hot.
It’s likely that your pipes are frozen. But how do you know for sure? Here are some signs that can help you decide if your pipes are frozen:
Lack of water flow.
If you’ve been using the faucet for a while and suddenly nothing comes out, your pipes might be frozen.
Frost on exposed pipes.
If you see frost on your plumbing, it means that the cold is getting in, and it’s causing the water inside to freeze. This can lead to burst pipes and leaks, so acting quickly is important if you notice this sign.
A loud bang when you turn on the faucet.
The shock from turning on a frozen faucet will cause the pipe to crack in some places, and this will result in a loud bang when you turn it on again (or whenever there is pressure). This is also an indicator that your pipes are frozen.
Water leaks
Water leaks from around doors or windows near your water meter (if you have one). Water leaking through these areas means that there could have been damage done when the water froze over time due to exposure outdoors during winter months.
Water flows slowly from faucets and toilets.
When cold water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and causes pressure buildup in the pipe itself—which means when you turn on a tap or flush the toilet, it takes longer than normal for the water to start flowing at full speed again. If this happens consistently throughout your home, it’s probably time to call an expert plumber in London, KY!
Strange odors
If you notice a strange odor coming from your pipes, it could be caused by an accumulation of minerals and gases that have built up over time due to freezing temperatures.
How to prevent pipes from freezing?
Winter is coming, and with it comes the threat of frozen pipes.
Freezing pipes can be a huge headache for homeowners, but it doesn’t have to be. With just a few simple tips, you can prevent your pipes from freezing and save yourself the hassle of dealing with burst pipes.
Here are a few tips on how to take care of pipes in winter:
Insulate Exposed Pipes.
Cover exposed pipes with insulation, especially if the exposed pipe is a pipe that runs through an unheated space like an unfinished basement or crawl space. Heat rises, so insulated pipes will keep the heat in, which helps prevent them from freezing.
Seal Gaps And Cracks.
Look for any cracks or gaps in the walls of your home that may allow cold air to enter, then seal them up with tape or caulk. If there are gaps around windows or doors, you’ll want to install weatherstripping as well as caulk or foam insulation on the outside of the gap before closing it off with weatherstripping on the inside.
Check Your Water Temperature
Make sure your water temperature isn’t set too low; this could cause your pipes to freeze. You don’t want to set it too high either, though—water that’s too hot will also cause problems with frozen pipes! The best setting for most people is somewhere between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius). If you have questions about water heaters and temperature, call Kentucky Climate Control today!
Keep Indoor Temperatures Above Freezing.
If you’re worried about your indoor temperature dropping below freezing, turn up the heat! Don’t worry too much if this means turning off some appliances like the dishwasher because they may need to be used during a power outage anyway; just remember not to let anything get too hot while using electricity (like wearing wool sweaters while playing video games all day).
Open Cabinet Doors
The best way to learn how to take care of frozen pipes is to keep them warm enough that they don’t need to be insulated. By leaving cabinet doors open during cold weather, you allow heat from inside the house to escape through the cabinet doors, which makes it easier for the cold air outside to creep into other parts of the house. You’ll also want to make sure all windows are closed tightly during cold weather so that there aren’t any drafts coming through any cracks in windows or doors.
Let Faucets Drip
When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, which can cause cracks or breaks in the pipe itself. As the cold weather settles in, make sure to leave some water running at all times so that if there is any harm done, it will be less severe than if there had been no running water at all!
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses.
This is easy—just turn off the water supply and disconnect the hose from your outdoor spigot. If you have one of those fancy hoses with a shut-off valve at the end, make sure to turn that off as well.
Use Heat Tape Or Cables.
If you don’t want to disconnect the hoses, you can use heat tape or cables instead. These are great for preventing ice from forming on the outside of your home’s pipes—which can lead to them freezing and bursting too!
How To Avoid Frozen Pipes While You Are On Vacation?
Vacation is supposed to be relaxing, but it can be tough if you have to deal with a frozen pipe while you’re away. Here are some tips on how to keep pipes from freezing while you are on vacation:
Set the thermostat
Setting your thermostat to a higher heat setting will help keep pipes from freezing. If you don’t want to do this, consider turning on the heating system’s auxiliary heat source—like a fireplace or woodstove—while you’re away. This will help maintain an ambient temperature inside your home and prevent pipes from freezing.
Drain the water system!
This can be a little tricky, but it’s important to do it before you leave. Turn on all of the faucets in your home and let them run until they drain completely dry. Once they are empty, turn them off again and make sure they are closed tightly. This prevents any excess water from getting into your pipes during freezing temperatures.
Hire a professional
If you’re going to be gone for a week or longer and have concerns about frozen pipes, hire a professional plumber in London, KY, to take care of it. The last thing you want is to come home from vacation and find out that while you were away, your house flooded because something went wrong with your plumbing system. It’s also smart to call in a professional when there is a possibility of freezing temperatures while you’re gone, such as during winter months or if there’s been an unusually cold spell recently.
When is the Best Time to Service Your Pipes?
The best time to service your pipes is now.
It’s true. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that you’ll be dealing with a problem that can be easily avoided by getting your pipes cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.
Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it’ll keep your home healthy and comfortable. And hey—if you do it today, you can even make some extra cash by selling off all that junk that’s clogging up your pipes!
Get Professional Repiping Solution from Expert Plumbers in London, KY!
We know your home is your castle, and you don’t want to worry about what’s going on in the walls. When you have issues with pipes, it can be a huge disruption—especially when you have to deal with the issue.
That’s why Kentucky Climate Control is here to help!
Kentucky Climate Control is your go-to source for professional repiping solutions in London, KY.
We believe that you deserve peace of mind when it comes to your plumbing system. That’s why we offer expert Repiping Services and Maintenance in London, KY.
We’re a local business with many years of experience in the industry, and we’ve built our reputation on providing high-quality service at fair rates. Our team of expert plumbers is trained to take any kind of plumbing problem, no matter how big or small. From leaks under the sink to full-scale repiping projects, we do it all!
We offer a full range of plumbing services to homeowners and businesses throughout London, KY, and the surrounding area:
– Leak detection
– Furnace Repair
– Drain cleaning
– Toilet Repair & Replacement
– Sink & Faucet Repair & Replacement
– Water Heater Repair & Replacement
We’ll work closely with you to make sure we understand exactly what you’re looking for and then match up your needs with the perfect solution.
The best things? We offer quick response times, and we’ll even come out to inspect your pipes right away so you can be confident they’re safe and secure before putting a plan into action.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—get professional repiping solutions from Kentucky Climate Control today! Call us today at (855) 482-2522 to schedule an appointment with our plumbing experts!
