Temperatures in Indianapolis can plummet in the winter. We all know this cold weather can also be associated with brutal storms. Remember the following tips to ensure your water lines don’t freeze.
Turn Off Outdoor Water Supply Lines
When it’s warm in Indiana, you may need an outdoor spigot to water your plants, wash your car, or keep the kids or pets cool. In the winter, you don’t want to have any hoses connected to your spigots. Be sure to have your hoses drained and put away before winter comes. Turn off the water supply lines that feed your outside taps and drain them of water. You can also cover your outdoor fixtures for extra protection.
Open Up Your Cabinets
Even if you keep your home reasonably warm, the areas in your cabinets under a sink might still be cold. The cold air in the cabinet will likely happen when the outside temperature has trouble rising above the freezing mark. To prevent pipes from freezing inside your home, open up any cabinets where pipes are. The warmer air can keep flowing and ensure that the heated air surrounds at least some of your piping.
Insulate Your Pipes
You can have your pipes insulated so that their warmth doesn’t escape easily. Insulation goes right over pipes and can last for the long run. Plus, the insulation material is affordable and easy to install.
Keep the Water Running
Pipes located along exterior walls are especially vulnerable in the winter months. So, when weather forecasters have predicted a cold spell for us, consider opening up your faucets just a bit. Slow running water keeps the water inside them moving, and water that moves is much harder to freeze than standing water.
Keep Your Heat Up
If you plan on traveling over the winter to see out-of-state relatives or perhaps to go on a tropical vacation, think about your plumbing system. Ensure your home is warm enough when you’re gone so your pipes don’t freeze. Don’t turn your heat off. Turning off the heat might save energy but could lead to frozen pipes in your home. Frozen water can cause pipes to crack and burst, and when the water thaws out, you’ll have a major leak on your hands. You don’t want to come home to that terrible scenario. Of course, if you do have an issue with a leak, JW’s is ready to jump in and fix the situation. We also offer drain cleaning and other services.
Given our cold winter weather, you must be strategic about preventing frozen pipes. Following these tips should go a long way in protecting your plumbing. Call JW’s if you have any questions.
