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Taking The Bite Out Of Winter Plumbing Problems

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Nothing strikes more fear in the heart of a homeowner than to find out that their plumbing has fallen victim to winter's harsh weather. Whether it's frozen pipes, burst lines, or massive leaks, winter can be hard on any home's pipes -- but it doesn't have to be. With proper planning and routine maintenance, your wallet can escape a real money drainer (pun intended).

Hidden Plumbing Problems

"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail," or so the saying goes. And so it goes with plumbing, too. The easiest way to avoid plumbing problems in winter (and all year long) is to have your pipes inspected annually. Regular inspections can detect problems long before they are noticed (or weakened) during the rough winter months. It's worth noting, however, that while having a family member of friend do a quick check can save you some money, an inspection is best left to a professional. A licensed plumber can spot problems that most people wouldn't notice, saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Frozen Pipes

Exposed pipes during cold months can quickly spell disaster when they turn into an exploding mess all over your house. Because water expands when frozen and can rupture pipes (and cause massive leaks), it's best to ensure that all of your plumbing is properly insulated and shielded from freezing temperatures. It's especially important to remember pipes that are on the exterior of your home (hose faucets, outdoor sinks, and the like) may not be able to be insulated like they would if they were on the interior of your home. The quickest and most inexpensive fix can be found in your local hardware store: pipe insulating sleeves. They come in many thicknesses, lengths, and widths to accommodate pipes of all kinds. Slide them on, trim to size, secure with a cable tie, and enjoy peace of mind all winter. Look also pipe frost protection

Failed Hot Water Heater

An overlooked (but very important) component of your plumbing system is your hot water heater. It's something we rely on each day (hello, hot shower!) but don't think about much until it's broken. If you're experiencing cooler-than-normal water when using hot water, or if your hot water doesn't seem to last as long, it may be time to have it looked at. Ignoring the problem could cause leaks, loss of water pressure, and, in rare cases, explosions. If you have an older unit that's not giving you trouble now, it may still be worth it to have a plumber inspect it. While most water heaters have a life-span of about 10 years, it seems older units tend to break down during colder months, leaving you the awful task of taking a cold shower until it's fixed.

While winter can mean playing in the snow, sipping cocoa, and enjoying time with family, it can also mean expensive repairs and added stress if Old Man Winter takes a toll on your pipes. Most potential problems are easy and inexpensive to avoid with the right tools and a little planning.

Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.

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