When you think about getting ready for the Pratville, AL winter, your plumbing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Projects like tuning your heating system, putting up storm windows and caulking cracks are top priorities when it comes to weatherizing your home. However, you shouldn’t ignore your pipes.
Insulating Pipes
Installing foam or fiberglass pipe wraps are excellent ways to protect water lines from the cold weather. Foam insulation is ideal for most applications, except areas near gas-fired water heaters. For safety reasons, fiberglass insulation is better suited for high-heat locations. According to the Department of Energy, water in insulated lines stays 2 to 4 degrees warmer. This allows you to turn down the temperature on your hot water heater, which will lower your energy bills. It’s especially important to insulate water lines that pass through crawlspaces and unheated areas. Insulating wraps also prevent condensation that causes moisture problems. If one area of your home is prone to freezing, pipe insulation can eliminate this problem and keep the water flowing freely all winter.
Draining Water Lines
If you own a summer home or cabin in the Montgomery area or plan on leaving for an extended vacation, it’s a good idea to drain your water lines. This will prevent damage caused by freezing and will also eliminate potential problems, such as bacteria and odors that affect unused drains and toilet tanks. To do this, the water main needs to be turned off. Then, the lines are drained, and any remaining water is removed with compressed air. This process can be completed by a professional plumber. In addition to our full range of HVAC services, we also have a team of master plumbers who can perform this service for you.
Other Smart Tips
Keeping water lines warm and safe requires a small investment, but it’s cheaper and more convenient than thawing an ice blockage and worrying about a burst pipe. If temperatures are expected to fall well below freezing, you can protect your water lines by following these tips:
- Allow faucets to drip during the night.
- Open under-sink cabinets to keep these areas warm.
- Block crawlspace vents on very cold nights.
- Don’t set your thermostat too low.
- If necessary, use towels to wrap exposed water lines.
When it comes to caring for your plumbing, prevention is the best strategy. If a pipe does freeze during the winter, give us a call. It’s extremely important to thaw it slowly. Using strong heat sources is dangerous because steam could build up and cause the pipe to explode, which would damage your home and be costly to repair. Now is the perfect time to think about weatherizing your home before the cold weather arrives. If you need an AC tune-up or plumbing services, Air Conditioning by Luquire is the company to call. We serve customers in the greater Montgomery area, including Wetumpka, Pratville and surrounding communities.
