As the cold weather hits your Indiana, Pennsylvania, home, you may worry about your plumbing. In many cases, there won’t be much impact at all. However, it’s good practice to follow some simple winterizing techniques to prevent plumbing problems and financial headaches.
Frozen Pipes
Once the temperatures reach below freezing, a very real issue is frozen pipes. Any water sitting in the pipes with no movement has the potential to freeze and block your access to fresh water. Watch the forecast during cold weather and leave your faucets on a steady drip to keep the water moving. You can also open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach the pipes better.
Blocked or Busted Water Lines
Standing water freezes and causes ice blockages in your pipes. When this happens, pressure builds up and could cause the pipes themselves to break. If you suspect this could be a problem, shut off your main water supply immediately. Doing so will reduce pressure on your pipes and could avoid a break. Contact a plumbing professional right away so they can assess the situation. As a result, you’ll prevent busted pipes.
Broken Water Heater
With family coming to visit and additional hot water usage, your water heater is working overtime. Cold temperatures don’t help the situation as the water is starting at a cooler temperature and the heater is taking more energy to heat the water you need. If you find that you aren’t getting any hot water or your flow is too low or nonexistent, you’ll need a professional to check it out.
If you’d like some pointers on how best to winterize your home, give us a call at (724) 349-6676. The service professionals at Miller Plumbing & Heating will help you prevent plumbing problems this winter.
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