When talking about any profession, most people tend to focus on the here and now. That's understandable. it's really important to know what's going on in the present tense. But you are missing out on some vital information if you never read and learn about the history of a profession. This applies to plumbing, in particular. You can really further your understanding of the profession by knowing how it began and what changes have been made over the years. That's why we sometimes reference the history of plumbing on this blog. We'll also dive into the future of the profession from time to time because, after all, you have to know where you're headed.
Navigating the web of pipes and fixtures that keep a home running smoothly can be a challenge f
Wading through a flooded basement is a homeowner's nightmare. It's not just the immediate damage to prope
A well-functioning plumbing system is essential for any home, ensuring a safe and comfortable living envi
Water is a necessity for everyday needs, from drinking and cooking to cleaning and bathing. However, not
If you're mulling over home improvements, updating your plumbing might not be the first thing on your lis
If you live in an area where the temperature outside tends to dip below freezing for several days in a row, you need to take action to protect your plumbing system against bursting pipes. Pipe bursts happen when the water inside of them freezes up and blocks water from flowing through them as it should. Perform the following steps to protect your piping systems when cooler weather arrives.
Use Insulation To Keep Pipes Warm
Before a temperature drop, use insulation in the form of sleeves or tape to keep the exteriors of pipes as warm as possible. These products are found in hardware stores and are easy to affix to pipes. Make sure to cover pipes located in cooler areas of your home, such as your attached garage and basement. If you are unable to purchase an insulative material before a cold snap is expected, wrap exposed pipes with pieces of old clothing or newspaper sheets.
Add Heat To Areas Where Pipes Are Prone To Freezing
If you had problems with frozen pipes in the past, adding heat to these locations can aid in keeping the water inside pipes running through as it should. Open any cabinet doors underneath sinks to let heat access the piping underneath them. Consider using a small electric heater in your garage or basement to help keep pipes warm enough to keep from freezing up. Direct a hair dryer set on a high temperature toward pipes for several minutes if you do not have a heating appliance available.
Allow Faucets To Drip To Keep Water From Freezing
Let your sink, shower, and tub faucets drip instead of tightening them all the way. A slow drip will not allow for the accumulation of water in basins unless you have a drain clog. Slow dripping of faucets also does not cause an excessive amount to be added to your water bill if you pay for your water supply. This is a temporary fix but can be an effective one if you fear your pipes will freeze. There is no need to use a hot water faucet as this will just cause your water heater to run constantly to keep a supply of water ready for usage. Instead, turn your cold water faucets to let a minimal amount of water drip from them. This keeps the water inside of the pipes constantly moving, contributing to the thwarting of a freeze-up.
For more information, contact a plumber near you.
Share