Avoid Burst Pipes this Winter

Winter is here. Freezing temperatures, snow, below zero wind chill, and more snow. As a Wisconsin resident, you might be used to the weather, but is your house prepared? Freezing temperatures can lead to a winter catastrophe – burst pipes. If you suspect possible pipe issues at your home, it might be time to call the Kenosha plumbing experts at Lee Mechanical.

The frigid cold winter temperatures tend to be brutal on your home’s plumbing system. Frozen pipes are among the top home winter weather hazards since they can result in burst lines and a flooded home. Kenosha’s number one plumbing contractor, Lee Mechanical, can handle your home’s piping problems and fix them right the first time.

Pipe Protection Tips

Are you wondering how to keep your pipes warm and water running throughout winter? Here are a few pipe protection tips that can come in handy.

Pipe Insulation

According to experts, the temperature alert threshold is 20° F, after which your home’s pipes will freeze. So one of the best ways to beat the issue is to insulate your pipes. If you live in a poorly insulated house, you might have experienced a lack of water or water pressure during the winter. Chances are, frozen pipes are the cause of your predicament. Unfortunately, it can get even worse since freezing can cause pipe bursts, leading to extensive damage and costly repairs.

Pipe insulation is your answer to avoid all these problems in the long term. A plumbing expert from Lee Mechanical can assess your home’s potential problem areas and provide you with timely and effective solutions.

Seal Air Leaks in Your Home

Do you feel a draft? The cold air in your home can be another cause leading to frozen pipes. Sealing any potential leaks in your home can help protect your pipes in the winter, and it can also reduce your heating bill.

Leaks in your home prevent you from maintaining a constant indoor temperature during the winter. As a result, your heater may be running non-stop, and your home’s plumbing is not staying warm enough.

Leaks in your home can exist virtually anywhere, but here are areas where they are most common:

• Plumbing vents
• Sidewalls that support attic rafters
• Attic hatch/opening
• Cable TV, electrical outlets, phone lines
• Recessed lights and the soffit around these lights
• Furnace flues or ducts
• Basement rim joists
• Window and door frames

Identifying and reducing possible leaks throughout your home can save you time, money, and future headaches.

Disconnect the Excess Water Access

If you haven’t done so already, it is essential to disconnect hoses on exterior faucets. If possible, drain the excess water and store it inside, away from the cold.

Consider shutting them off if you have appliances connected to your water system in unheated areas. If you’re using your washing machines, connect the piping back, but don’t forget to disconnect after use. Maintain the practice throughout the cold days to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Open the Cabinet Doors

On days and nights of deep, bone-chilling temperatures, it is imperative to keep warm air circulating around your pipes, especially if the pipes are located on an exterior wall of your home. Opening the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors allows the plumbing to remain warm, preventing frozen pipes. Your home might feel warm overall, but the heat is impeded from reaching your plumbing due to the cabinet doors. Opening them is critical to even out the temperatures in such spaces.

Leave the Faucets Dripping on Extreme Days

A slow, continuous line of running water in your pipes makes it difficult for freezing to occur. Consider this, especially for faucets and pipes on exterior walls and in older homes. This technique might increase your water bill, but it could be a small price to pay to avoid your pipes bursting. A burst water pipe can cause extensive damage to your home, along with loss of potential personal property.

Maintain the Thermostat at the Same Temperature

You never know when your home’s pipes could freeze – all it takes is a cold snap. Keeping your temperatures constant within your home prevents drops that can cause frozen pipes.

Make sure your home is at a minimum of 55 degrees during the cold weather. Keeping the thermostat within the same temperature day and night will also lower your heating bill, along with keeping your pipes protected.

When Is it Time to Call Lee’s Expert Plumbers?

A plumbing emergency during the winter can be catastrophic. Preparing your home in advance is vital, but having plumbing services in Kenosha on speed dial is a good idea for unexpected issues. (We highly recommend Lee’s number: (262) 657-9490.)

Signs to watch for in the winter:

You Have Inadequate Water

Lack of water in your home can be an inconvenience at the very least, but did you know it can also be an indication of a SERIOUS plumbing problem?

The possible reasons you might not have adequate supply include:

• Frozen pipes
• Blockage in your water inlet
• Piping done wrong
• Low water pressure
• Leaks

You’re Experiencing a Water Leak

Leaks are relatively easier to note and establish the root cause. As a result, most people think calling a plumber is unnecessary since they can fix the leak themselves, which can be misleading.

A temporary cover to the leak in your basement might only accentuate the problem. Due to excessive water pressure bearing on your weakened piping, more leaks might occur.

Hiring a plumber ensures that they can check your home thoroughly. They also help find ways to solve the leaks once and for all to prevent the mess they bring along. As a result, you maintain the integrity of your structure and avoid future issues.

Signs of Water Damage

A burst pipe does not always mean a flood and OBVIOUS damage. Have you noticed that the paint on your wall is peeling off or perhaps an odd smell? You could have a small crack in a pipe behind a wall and not even know it. Recognizing the signs of water damage can help you find a minor issue before excessive damage occurs.

The common signs of water damage in your home include:

• Flaking walls and bubbling spots
• Musty smell
• Discolored walls
• Mold or mildew growth
• Water spots on your ceiling
• Pooling of water

Protect Your Home’s Pipes with Lee

Managing your home throughout the winter is important to avoid costly mistakes that could lead to burst pipes and extensive damage.

Lee Mechanical is a plumbing and heating company with over 40 years of experience and unmatched customer service. You can get expert services at competitive rates. In addition, we offer:

• Piping: We install new plumbing systems, repair leaks, and replace worn-out pipes.
• Water Heaters: We install new water heaters or repair them.
• Faucets: We provide faucet installation as well as repair services.
• Sewer Systems: We fix sewer systems that are not functioning properly to avoid potential sewage backups.

Plumbing issues can be expensive to fix, but they can also be avoided. With some plumbing maintenance and upkeep, you’ll avoid having to pay for costly repairs down the line. That’s why at Lee Mechanical, we offer financing solutions for plumbing issues if your home needs work, updates, renovation, or fixes. We also offer annual service agreements that include inspections of your plumbing.

Contact Lee Mechanical today for your home’s inspection or more information.