Winter is coming, and you know what that means – time to prepare for potential pipe problems! Frozen pipes can cause headaches, heartaches, and significant damage. So, before the temperatures start dropping, upgrade your plumbing system to avoid any unwanted surprises. In this blog post, you’ll find five simple yet effective plumbing upgrades that you can make to ensure your pipes stay problem-free throughout the winter. Consult your plumbing contractor before making any major changes to your plumbing system.
- Insulate Your Pipes
This is a simple yet effective way to protect your pipes from freezing. Insulating your pipes with foam sleeves helps to keep the heat inside and prevent them from getting too cold. You can purchase foam sleeves from your local hardware store and install them yourself. This upgrade will not only prevent your pipes from freezing but also help you save on energy bills by reducing heat loss.
- Install a Water Heater Blanket
If you have an older water heater or one in a cold area, installing a water heater blanket is a great upgrade to consider. This insulation layer can help reduce heat loss, save energy, and keep your water warmer for longer periods. If installed correctly, it can also improve your water heater’s efficiency, reducing the likelihood of costly failures resulting in water damage or worse.
- Replace Old Pipes
Do you have older pipes in your home that seem prone to leaks and blockages? Then, it’s time to consider replacing them with modern plumbing products less prone to wear and damage. The latest plumbing materials include PVC, PEX, and copper, which offer better durability, efficiency, and performance than traditional pipes. Upgrading your pipes ensures your home’s plumbing system is in great shape and more reliable throughout the winter.
- Install a Pressure Gauge
Installing a pressure gauge is a simple upgrade to help you monitor your home’s water pressure. High water pressure can cause leaks, bursts, and costly repairs, but a pressure gauge can help you stay on top of potential problems and avoid them before they occur. You can purchase a pressure gauge from a hardware store and install it quickly.
- Protect Outdoor Hose Bibs
Outdoor hose bibs are especially vulnerable to freezing, so it’s crucial to protect them before the winter season. Invest in insulated outdoor faucet covers to keep them warm and protected from the cold air. You can also shut off the water supply to the outdoor faucet and remove the hose to avoid any potential problems. Protecting your outdoor hose bibs can prevent damage to your pipes and avoid water leakage, which can cause damage to the interior of your home.
Prevention is always better than cure. While wintertime can bring lots of excitement, it’s essential to ensure your home’s plumbing system is ready for it, too. By considering these five plumbing upgrades, you can avoid pipe problems and have peace of mind throughout the winter. Hire a professional plumber for major installations, repairs, or upgrades.
