Protect the Home From Frozen Pipes This Winter

Professional Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes 

Every home needs safe and reliable plumbing. Unfortunately, during the winter, cold weather can take a toll on plumbing that isn’t properly protected from chilly temperatures and lead to frozen pipes, which can lead to even more problems like burst pipes. Here are the dangers of frozen pipes and tips to help homeowners prevent them. 

Complications Arising From Frozen Pipes 

burst pipe Living in a home with frozen pipes is bad enough because it can deprive necessary plumbing fixtures of water service. But, the more severe dangers of a frozen pipe lie in the consequences of letting pipes freeze. When lines are exposed to cold temperatures, the water within them freezes and expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls and can cause them to break or burst. 

A leaking or burst pipe can lead to additional problems for a home, such as flooding, water damage, high water costs, and mold growth. So, apart from the stress of losing water service, the homeowner must also contend with the stress of waiting to see if anything worse will happen when pipes freeze. 

Can Pipe Insulation Help?

pipe insulationHomeowners should take steps to prevent frozen pipes, and one of the most effective ways is to install pipe insulation on piping vulnerable to freezing, such as those in crawl spaces, attics, and exposed exterior piping, to ensure it is safe from the cold. Not only does the insulation help prevent pipes from freezing, but it also has many other benefits. 

More benefits of insulating pipes other than preventing freezing include: 

  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Prevents condensation and excess moisture that can lead to mold growth and corrosion
  • Longer pipe lifespan by protecting against corrosion
  • Reduced noise levels from the pipes

Bonus Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips 

Here are a few more ways to prevent frozen pipes: 

  • Keep the Pipes Warm: Always keep the thermostat in the home set to at least 55°F, even if away from home or out of town, to help keep pipes warm enough to prevent freezing. 
  • Let the Faucet Drip: Another way to prevent pipes from freezing during freezing temperatures is to allow water to drip or trickle out of taps to keep water flowing so they don’t freeze. 
  • Winterize the Outdoor Plumbing: One of the major causes of burst pipes outdoors is due to homeowners forgetting to drain and remove hoses and insulating hose bibs. Since hoses and hose bibs won’t be used for the season, use premade caps to protect bibs and detach and drain hoses to remove the water. 

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a family-owned and operated company serving Tyler and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, personalized service, and financing. Call them today for plumbing services in Tyler, TX. 

Distribution Links +

Protect the Holiday Season From Plumbing Emergencies

These Three Common Plumbing Emergencies Could Ruin the Holiday Season

This year might look a little different than any before, but many families are still likely to celebrate the holidays with their immediate family. The most common way for homeowners to celebrate is with large dinners. The last thing anyone wants is for their family dinner to be interrupted by a plumbing emergency. That is why it is vital that homeowners know what some of the most common plumbing emergencies are so they can spot them sooner. 

The sooner a plumbing emergency is fixed, the better chance the family has of finishing their dinner off right! For more information about the three most common plumbing emergencies, continue reading below. 

Frozen, Burst Pipes

pipe

Whether or not the pipe bursts in the middle of holiday dinner or a few days beforehand doesn’t necessarily matter. Either way, the homeowner could experience the effects of a burst pipe from the moment it happens. Sometimes, though, it takes a few days for the homeowner to notice the signs. 

Some common signs of a burst pipe include: 

  • The sound of water running constantly
  • Loud banging noise
  • Lower water pressure

Of course, there is another way to spot a burst pipe, but likely not before the holiday festivities begin. If all else fails, the homeowner can check the monthly utility bill to look for an increase between months. If there is a significant increase, there may be a burst pipe in the home. 

Water Heater Breakdown

If a water heater breaks down in the middle of the holidays, this is something that could bring holiday dinner to a screeching halt. Sure, the family can still enjoy the dinner if they’ve already cooked, but none of the dishes can get cleaned without hot water. 

Not only that but if the water heater breaks before the dinner is cooked, it could make it a lot harder to prepare some of the dishes. 

A few signs of imminent water heater breakdown are: 

  • Gurgling noises while the water heater is running
  • Water pooling up around the unit
  • Inconsistent water temperature 
  • Discolored water

If any one of these signs is present, the homeowner must call an emergency plumber right away. This is the only hope for minimizing repair costs in the end and saving holiday dinner. 

Clogged Sinks and Toilets

Clogged sinks and toilets can also do a lot of damage to a holiday dinner. One clog can cause an entire plumbing system to suffer, and without the help of a trusted professional, the family could be looking at canceling the remainder of their dinner. 

toilet

Emergency plumbing repairs are a crucial part of the holidays. Without these workers, many families would suffer as a result. Not only do emergency plumbers keep families safe, but they keep holiday dinners going!

Super Plumbers Keeps Homeowners Safe During the Holidays

There is no need to continue searching- Super Plumbers are the professionals that will keep homeowners safe and efficient all year round. Not to mention, they have great prices and excellent customer service! Call today to schedule emergency plumbing services in Tyler!