Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Plumbing: Preventing Winter Plumbing Issues


Safeguarding your plumbing against the winter can save thousands on possible repair costs. Here are the four most common plumbing issues we run into, and ways to prevent them from occurring.

Under the sink
Many homes have the kitchen sink installed on the outside wall. While you get a lovely view, you also may get frozen water lines. Insulating your pipes is the first precaution you should take to prevent pipe freezes. Also, keep your cabinet doors open so warm air can flow inside, thus preventing pipes from freezing.

Frozen pipes
During the winter, experts suggest over 1 million pipes freeze and burst. The No. 1 cause is a lack of insulation, but improper insulation can cause exposed pipes to freeze during the cold months.

Cold showers
An unexpected cold shower is a sure way to catch the flu. A lack of hot water in your water heater can be the result of one or two things: a faulty part or low temperature settings. While you can raise the temperature, replacing the part should be done by a professional Crosby MN plumber.