We’re in the middle of a harsh winter, and it’s only going to get worse from here as we move into February and March. Unfortunately, the winter is one of our busiest seasons here at Zurn, as we see many people who’ve failed to properly care for their plumbing as the temperatures drop below freezing.
As plumbing experts, we see all kinds of problems. Here are some of the most notable winter weather plumbing blunders, as well as some advice as to how to fix these problems.
Blunder 1: Failing to Protect Outdoor Faucets
This time of year, we see several problems with outdoor facets. Most of them stem from the fact that people have failed to remove hoses attached to an outside faucet. Failing to do this heightens your chance that you’ll end up with frozen pipe damage during the winter. An added step you can take to prevent frozen outdoor faucets is to insulate your faucets using an inexpensive faucet insulation kit.
Blunder 2: Failing to Properly Insulate Pipes
Frozen pipes can disrupt proper water flow. When that happens, it’s not long before the pipes can burst, causing flooding and expensive damage to your home. A simple fix or this is to apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables.
Blunder 3: Failing to Clear Sediment and Debris that Can Clog Drainage Systems
Even in the winter, it’s important to keep your gutters and downspouts clear from leaves, dirt and other debris. Otherwise, your drainage systems may not function properly, thereby causing problems to your home that result in expensive repairs. This is especially true when freezing temperatures cause pooled precipitation to freeze.
Blunder 4: Not Calling a Plumber in an Emergency Situation
When it comes to plumbing, there are lots of people out there who think they’re experts. Unfortunately, most self-taught plumbers lack the skills to properly address emergency plumbing issues in their homes, and can often cause more damage. Calling a licensed plumber can save you time and money in the long term by ensuring your fixes quality and complete.
If you are experiencing plumbing problems this winter, our plumbers can help. Give us a call at 770-451-6765. Or, fill out the contact form on our home page at www.zurnplumbing.com.
