Extreme cold weather can cause the entire pipe system to shut down. When temperatures are in the single or low double digit ranges, the water inside the pipes could freeze and cause all running water in the household to come to a complete standstill. If this happens, you will need to call an emergency plumber in Marietta to unfreeze the pipes. There are, though, a few steps you can take yourself to prepare your pipes for an impending cold spell.
The first thing you should do is insulate your hot water heater using a water heater blanket. The benefits of this are twofold: first, it cuts down on energy consumption, and it also extends the life of the heater by preventing it from working twice as hard to warm the frigid water. You will also need to insulate the water pipes. If your home contains a crawlspace, then this is where most of the length of the pipes will run through. This makes them vulnerable to the cold and places them at risk of freezing. To insulate the entire length of the pipes, you will likely need to contact an emergency plumber in Marietta. Click here to know more.
Also be sure to drain out water completely from the hoses and spigots. Shut off the water valve completely and place an insulator over the spigot to provide an extra layer of protection. If you have a sprinkler system for your lawn, then you will also have to completely purge the water out of the system as well.
It may also be the case that the pipes run alongside the exterior wall. This is especially the case for the bathroom pipes. To keep them warm, keep the vanity doors open to allow heat inside. You can also use a small space heater to provide a steady flow of warm air.
Finally, if you plan on being out of town for several days, do not switch off the heat. Instead, leave it on and running at about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This will provide just enough warmth circulating around the home to prevent the plumbing from freezing over.
If you’re unsure about any of the steps listed, then leave the task to an emergency plumber in Marietta. An emergency handyman from a plumbing contractor such as R.S.Andrews can be dispatched to your home and winterize the entire system on the spot so you don’t go for a minute without water.
If your pipes freeze, then you will need to contact an emergency plumber in Marietta to resolve the issue. An emergency plumber in Marietta will not only unfreeze the pipes but will also insulate the entire system, so it doesn’t happen again.
