Fall to Winter Heating Changes to Keep in Mind

We’ve reached the time of year where the weather starts to get chillier, and with the colder weather comes a new set of plumbing rules.  To ensure you don’t run into any issues this winter season, check out our tips!

Watch Out For Frozen Pipes

The most important thing to watch out for as the weather cools is freezing pipes.  This particular issue, more than any other, is about prevention rather than treatment, because by the time your pipes freeze, you have a major problem on your hands.  To ensure that your pipes don’t freeze, be sure to check any problem areas that you are worried may not be getting enough heat to keep your pipes from becoming frozen.

In general, most pipes should be fine with the general heat from your home, but as you become familiar with your home, you may become aware of problem areas that don’t receive enough heat.  It is important to turn up the heat in areas that you may be concerned about, or apply a heat cable to pipes that you may more susceptible to freeze. Be sure to make these adjustments before the temperatures cool too much, as waiting too long could leave you with a burst pipe.  One lesser known tip to help prevent frozen pipes is to open cabinet doors in your kitchen to allow warmer air to circulate to your pipes while you’re gone.

In the unfortunate event that a pipe does burst, be sure you know where your homes emergency shutoff valve is to try to prevent further damage to your home.  

Outdoor Prevention

There are a couple of minor steps you should take on the outside of your home to help prevent damage as well.  The most important is to always turn off any outdoor valves and drain the pipes. Even if you turn off the valve, if you forget to drain the pipe and there is any water left in it, it can still freeze and burst your pipes.

Similarly, you will want to unscrew, drain, and store your hose for the same reason.  If you forget to drain your hose and leave it attached, it can freeze and back-up into your pipes, where it can freeze and burst them.  Be sure to do this before the weather reaches freezing temperatures.

Need More Help?

Found a burst pipe? Water from the hose backed up into your home? Or just have an issue that we didn’t cover in this guide? Feel free to give us a call today at 787-727-7807 to learn more about the services we provide, and how we can help you with all your plumbing needs!