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It’s been a cold one! And, storms are continuing to roll into Salem, Oregon this winter. We may even get snow! This does make for a cute night cuddling on the couch, and picturesque views of powdered-sugared mountains, however, this weather does pose potential threats to your plumbing.
Just as the rain starts freezing —so will the water that runs through your plumbing.
When water freezes, it expands. This jeopardizes your plumbing systems, as the pressure within your pipes increase, causing cracks in your pipeline and backflow issues throughout your home.
Backflow not only ruins the integrity of your plumbing, but it also contaminates your potable water. If you see water coming back up any of your drains, do not drink it. You need to hire a professional as soon as possible to repair your damaged plumbing.
So, why don’t we all just avoid the above issues in the first place? Well, you can! We here at DoneRite Plumbing have created a preventative guide for avoiding frozen pipes just for you!
Here Is How You Can Prevent Frozen Pipes
Seal All Air Leaks
Gaps around windows and doors allow for the cold air outside to enter your home. Air leaks counteract your home’s built-in insulation and your heating system, which are both working overtime in the winter to keep your family warm. If air leaks are left unrepaired, pipes located on your exterior walls can become affected and freeze. Seal all air leaks with weatherstripping or caulking to retain the heat produced in your home.
Maintain Warm Indoor Temperatures
When cold fronts hit, it’s best to maintain an indoor temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This will keep the pipes inside of your home well-thawed, running efficiently, and out of danger from freezing.
Keep Your Kitchen Cabinets Open
Leaving your kitchen cabinetry slightly ajar will allow heat generated within your home to reach the plumbing and pipes located behind these built-in cabinets! This will aid in thawing your pipes and preventing a plumbing fiasco.
Leave Your Garage Door Shut
Unfinished garages need to be kept closed during the wintertime. Water lines are typically installed underneath your garage or inside of your garage, so your plumbing is easily affected when the temperature drops. Make sure you quickly shut your garage door after parking to prevent frozen pipes!
Disconnect Your Outdoor Water Supplies
From gardening hoses to water fountains to inground pools—you need to disconnect all of your outdoor water supplies. Don’t forget to turn off your indoor water valve as well, as that controls water flow to your outdoor water designs. Lastly, drain your water features. This will help keep your outdoor and indoor pipes from freezing and bursting!
Turn Your Faucet On To Drip
Check the weather regularly! If you see that there will be a significant drop in temperature, leave your fixtures serviced by outdoor pipes, or pipes on exterior walls, on. They don’t have to be on all the way, just turn the nob on your faucet until you see a small drip. This will hold-off freezing!
If you are worried about wasting all of the dripping water, don’t be! We have a solution. Place a bowl underneath your dripping faucet and use all excess water to feed your indoor plants!
Add Insulation!
What’s the best way to protect your pipes on exterior walls and in unfinished basements or attics? Add insulation ASAP! Insulation allows remote rooms without heating or air conditioning to retain heat. This will better protect your plumbing in these locations, as they are less exposed to the outdoor elements.
For problems with your pipes this winter, contact DoneRite Plumbing at (503) 342-7782. We will repair and restore your pipes back to their summertime glory!