Winter in Colorado is usually associated with some serious plumbing challenges. The network of pipes running through freezing temperatures can turn into a major problem overnight. How does this come about?
When water inside the pipes freezes, it expands. Once this happens, it ends up putting immense pressure on the pipe walls. In such a situation, even a small crack or weak joint can burst under pressure. The end result here is leaks, water damage, and costly repairs.
The good thing is that you don’t have to experience such shortcomings. All you need to do is prepare early enough. With the right preventive measures, you can protect your plumbing and avoid any winter disasters. This article looks at some actions you need to take to ensure this.
Understanding the Risks of Frozen Pipes
The harsh winter months can create serious hazards for your plumbing system. First, frozen water can cause cracks or even full bursts. Once this happens, expect to experience serious water damage and costly repairs.
Prevent Frozen Pipes In Colorado!
Those pipes located in unheated areas are usually the most vulnerable. The main reason behind this is that they are directly exposed to freezing temperatures. There are some areas in your home that lack proper insulation. Some of these include attics, crawl spaces, and basements. For this reason, they are prime targets for ice formation.
Here, even brief drops in the temperatures can turn stagnant water into ice. This ends up increasing the overall risk of bursts.
Signs That Your Pipes May Be at Risk
How do you know that your pipes are freezing? One thing to look for is noticeable drops in the water pressure. This usually indicates that ice is forming inside the lines. Once this happens, it ends up restricting proper water flow.
You might also see faucets trickling instead of running smoothly. This is another potential sign that water is having a hard time passing through.
If you also hear unusual sounds like banging or creaking from your plumbing system, just know that pressure could be building behind frozen areas.
It’s very important that you catch these signs early. This is the only way that you can be able to prevent bursts and costly repairs during the winter season in Colorado.
Preventing Frozen Pipes & Costly Repairs
Proper Pipe Insulation and Heating
Consider wrapping vulnerable areas in foam or fiberglass sleeves. Taking this action helps retain warmth. Another thing to do here is to add heat tapes or cables. This provides extra protection in particularly cold areas.
You also have to make sure that basements, attics, and crawl spaces are properly heated. This goes a long way in reducing the risk of bursts.
It’s also important that you check for drafts near openings. In case of any, take the initiative to seal them properly. Doing this should help keep critical systems safe.
Such a preventive measure helps protect your property from damage. This saves you from having to incur significant maintenance costs when the temperatures drop.
Maintain Consistent Home Temperatures
As aforementioned, a sudden drop in the temperatures can cause water lines to freeze. Therefore, we can come up with a good solution to prevent this from happening. By maintaining consistent home temperatures, you get to reduce the stress on your system. This ensures that water is able to flow smoothly.
Some measures you can take to ensure that this is the case include setting thermostats to maintain a minimum temperature, and insulating vulnerable areas. Through these steps, you should avoid drastic fluctuations.
This makes sure your property is safe and functional throughout the harsh Colorado winter.
Let Professionals Help You Prevent Frozen Pipes
To ensure full protection against the harshest winter conditions, consider requesting expert intervention. Professionals have the needed expertise and equipment to identify vulnerable areas. In case of any issues, they are able to implement long-term solutions. This means that they get to fix potential problems before they can escalate.
You have to take proactive steps to protect your plumbing during Colorado’s harsh winters. This is the only way that you save yourself from costly repairs. You’ll also reduce the stress of having to deal with frozen pipes. This article has provided you with some steps you need to take as DIY. Although they can get the job done, nothing beats the power of seeking professional intervention. Experts like us, at Bear Creek Plumbing, can guarantee that your plumbing system is fully safeguarded. Courtesy of our exceptional services, you’ll have the peace of mind that you’re ready for whatever winter has to offer.
