Living in a place like Denver, your pipes have to deal with the transition from warmer weather to cold, freezing temperatures in the winter. Not only can the freezing weather affect your pipes, but it can cause them to crack if they are not properly weatherized. By learning about the steps you can take to prevent and thaw frozen pipes, you may be able to avoid serious damage or the need for re-piping.
Preparing Your Pipes for Cold Weather
There are steps you can take yourself to help prepare your home for the winter. For example, ensuring the temperature in your home does not go below 55ºF, especially during the colder months. If your water supply lines are in your garage, you should keep the garage doors closed so the air stays as warm as possible. When it is extremely cold outside, occasionally running water through your pipes and letting it drip can help, as well as opening the cabinet doors in the bathrooms and kitchen.
Steps for Winterizing Pipes
The main reason cold weather can cause so much damage to your pipes is the expansion that occurs when water freezes to ice. This type of expansion can put too much pressure on the inside of your pipes, leading to damage or cracking. Winterizing is an excellent step to take, both for your primary property and any other properties or summer homes you may own which will be vacant and unused for some time.
The steps involved in winterizing include:
- Shutting off the main water valve, the water heater, and the water pump.
- Opening the taps and drain valves.
- Using a hose or floor drain to empty the hot water tank.
- Draining the water from within the holding tank.
- Removing water from the toilet bowls and tanks by flushing them.
- Checking the drain traps of any tubs and sinks.
If you have tried to turn on a faucet in your home and water won't come out, the pipes may be frozen. You may be able to thaw out your pipe if you can locate the area of the pipe which is frozen. The first step is to keep the faucet open so that when the pipe is treated, water will begin to flow through. By safely applying heat to the frozen area, you may be able to restore water pressure.
Thawing frozen pipes can be very difficult on your own, which is why hiring a Denver plumber is advisable. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Denver & Northern Colorado at (303) 622-5469 if you have not found the frozen area or would like our help.