Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!
The winter months can get pretty cold in New Britain, PA. As the temperature falls, it’s important to do all you can to prevent your pipes from freezing. Once they do, they can burst, resulting in extensive damage and costly repairs. It can also be a huge inconvenience. Until we can fix them, you could be without water. Fortunately, there are several things you can do now to avoid having the pipes freeze during the winter season.
If your outdoor pipes freeze, you can have a big mess to deal with once spring arrives. Any water left in outdoor faucets can freeze. As this water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe, which normally results in it cracking or bursting. You could have extensive water damage once the temperature rises and the ice thaws. A few simple steps will keep these vulnerable areas safe.
First, disconnect your garden hose from your exterior spigot. Then, drain the hose completely before storing it. This will protect it from freezing and prolong its lifespan. Finally, store it in a dry area like a shed or garage.
Now you can focus on the spigot. There will be a shut-off valve for it inside of your house. Look for it near the location of the exterior faucet. Turn this valve off so that no more water can flow to the faucet. Afterward, open the faucet outside to let any remaining water drain out. Leave it open just in case there is any water left in it. That way, it has someplace to go as it freezes and expands.
If you want to lower the risk of your outdoor spigot freezing, consider upgrading to a frost-proof faucet. These faucets have a longer stem than the standard faucet, which means that the stem extends further into your home, where it can benefit from the interior warmth. They are also typically set at an angle, which helps with water drainage. This type of faucet may cost a little more, but the initial investment is well worth it to avoid freezing.
Pipes don’t have to be outside to freeze; interior pipes are also at risk. The best way to avoid frozen pipes inside is to keep your home warm. Set your thermostat consistently 24 hours a day. You probably hear people say that you need to turn down the temperature at night or when you’re away from home, but a steady temperature is best for pipes.
Fluctuating temperatures are the perfect recipe for freezing water. However, don’t worry about that slightly higher energy bill. This is far more affordable than replacing burst pipes and repairing any water damage they cause.
Naturally, if you go on an extended vacation, you’ll want to turn down the heat, but don’t set it below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. You can always have a friend or family member stop by and check on things for you. This may not prevent a problem, but if something does happen, you’ll be able to act quickly.
When a cold snap comes along, the risk of your pipes freezing increases. If your kitchen or bathroom sinks are on exterior walls, open the cabinet doors under them when the temperature falls. This is the best way to keep them warm. The heat from your home will be able to reach them. It’s a simple concept but very effective.
Another great tip is to let the faucets drip. Water in motion is less likely to freeze, and a slight trickle can help you avoid a disaster. You might be wasting water, but it’s better than paying for expensive plumbing repairs.
Winter storms can bring heavy rains or measurable amounts of snow, which can flood your basement. This is especially true if your foundation has cracks or your drainage around the house is poor.
To avoid flooding when the snow melts, make sure your gutters are clear of debris and that the drainage spouts direct the water away from the foundation. You want the water from rain and snowmelt to flow freely through the gutters and out into the yard, not into the basement.
Sometimes, a basement will flood no matter how careful you are about the drainage on your property. In this circumstance, you may want to install a sump pump in the basement. A sump pump will collect the water that finds its way into your basement and carry it outside and away from the house through a drainage pipe. These devices have a float switch. Once the water reaches a certain level in your basement, the sump pump automatically turns on.
There are a few extra measures you can take to help you further avoid those most common winter plumbing disasters. Start by inspecting the areas around your water supply lines. Are there any cracks or gaps where cold air can get in? If so, you’ll need to fill these in with caulk or foam insulation. Otherwise, that cold air can freeze the supply lines.
You’ll also want to check the insulation in your home. Many houses lack enough insulation in vulnerable areas like the attic, crawl space, or basement, and older homes may not have any insulation at all in these locations. Installing insulation in these spots or upgrading the existing insulation keeps your pipes from freezing and helps reduce your energy costs during winter.
Another great way to keep pipes healthy is to schedule routine maintenance before winter arrives. Regularly inspect any visible part of your plumbing system. If you find leaks or damage, call us promptly for repairs. These weak spots invite trouble.
During our professional inspection, we’ll check your entire plumbing system, including those pipes you can’t see. We’ll identify potential issues and make any necessary repairs before the temperature drops. We’ll also ensure that you have adequate insulation to maintain the water in your pipes at a safe and steady temperature.
Residents of New Britain know they can count on Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air for exceptional HVAC and plumbing services. We have over 26 years of experience handling winter problems like frozen pipes, but our hassle-free plumbing goes beyond that. We can assist you with your garbage disposal, water heater, and excavation needs as well.
When it comes to heating and cooling, we offer professional repairs, maintenance, and installations. We work with various systems, including gas furnaces, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps. Our team can also ensure your indoor air quality with solutions that help you enjoy a cleaner and healthier environment. Contact Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air today for more information.
Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!