Tag: winter

Crucial Heating Tips for Winter

How to Avoid a Burst Pipe

During the cold season, underground pipes are commonly frozen and cracked. Once a pipe burst has occurred, homeowners can expect a significant increase in their utility bills. However, simple maintenance can help avoid cold indoor temperatures and needless energy loss.

Keep the Heat On

One way to prevent pipes from freezing is to keep the heater running even if nobody is home to reduce the risk of leaky piping. Although it may seem more expensive initially, this ultimately saves homeowners money on future repairs and replacements.

Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets is also recommended recommended. These storage spaces are often under the sink, where poorly insulated pipes are installed. Keeping the doors open allows hot air from the rest of the home to circulate. 

The thermostat must not be set above 70 to make a difference. As long as it is above 65 degrees, it will prevent indoor pipes from being damaged by temperature.  

DIY Pipe Insulation

sinkInsulating pipes is the most effective way to keep plumbing intact throughout the winter. The areas that specifically benefit from insulation include the attic, basement, and garage. These spaces tend to be isolated from indoor heat and freeze much more quickly than bedrooms or bathrooms. 

Multiple kinds of insulation are available, including rubber, fiberglass, and foil. Fiberglass is one of the quietest options and is typically used in areas with extremely cold or older houses with fragile plumbing systems.

Rubber insulation can be used for both indoor and outdoor pipes. It is an inexpensive material and can adapt well to sudden shifts in temperature. This is also an easy installation job for professionals and can take less time to complete. 

Foil and foam are used in homes with large attics, for they are known to reduce humidity. If the pipes become wet, this leads to corrosion, causing a much shorter lifespan. This type of insulation also cuts down on noisy vibrations. 

DIY pipe installation is not recommended because asbestos is often found in old insulation, and homeowners must be equipped with all the necessary tools. Secured wrapping is required to make insulation effective, and measurements must be taken beforehand. Trained plumbers can insulate pipes in approximately two hours, depending on the home. 

Disconnecting the Outside Water Supply

outdoor faucetDisconnecting the hose from outdoor faucets will eliminate any moisture that can freeze. In fact, many homeowners leave the outdoor water supply off all winter.  

It would also be best if homeowners shut off valves located in the basement. Turning the handle clockwise cuts off the water but does not remove any excess liquid. The leftover liquid will need to be drained from the faucet outside.

In addition to turning off the hose, homeowners are encouraged to keep their garage doors closed. Doing so provides additional insulation without spending any money.

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service 

Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service installs home piping in Evansville, IN. With every service call, homeowners can expect personalized care and upfront pricing. Call today to schedule a plumbing service before winter in Evansville, IN.

Distribution Links +

You Can Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Professional Tips for Preparing Plumbing for Winter Weather

Frozen pipes can substantially threaten home plumbing systems during the cold winter months of the year. Homeowners can take steps to insulate and protect their plumbing from freezing pipes in the fall. In this blog post, read tips from plumbing professionals on how to get home plumbing ready for winter.

Home plumbing systems are a network of pipes that connect plumbing fixtures to the main water line. Much of the home's plumbing is located under the foundation of the home, under the lawn, in the basement, or under the driveway. When frost, snow, and below-freezing temperatures hit in the winter, it can cause the water in underground pipes to freeze over.  

Why Is Pipes Freezing Bad?pipes

Frozen pipes are dangerous to homeowners and their property. Water expands when it freezes, which is why frozen pipes can cause plumbing issues. Water can rupture a pipe when it expands inside the plumbing system. 

Bursting pipes can flood the home and cause thousands of dollars in property damage. Water damage from a burst pipe can be expensive and time-consuming to repair. It could require invasive repairs that disrupt the home's foundation to repair hidden pipe leaks under the house. 

A burst pipe that is located underground can go unnoticed for months. The leaky or burst pipe moisture can cause toxic mold and mildew to thrive inside the home. When homeowners notice a hidden leak from a burst pipe, significant property damage may have already occurred.

Ice can also reduce water pressure by narrowing the passageway of the water in the pipes, making it more difficult to complete daily tasks like cleaning and bathing. Reduced efficiency of the plumbing system due to frozen pipes can also cost homeowners by causing a spike in utility bills. 

insulation

How Pipe Insulation Prevents Burst Pipes

One of the best ways homeowners can ensure that their pipes do not freeze this winter is to invest in pipe insulation. There are a variety of different types of pipe insulation that homeowners can choose from. A local professional plumber can help recommend personalized solutions for which type of pipe covering is best for the home. 

Insulation adds additional layers of protection to maintain a safe and consistent temperature. Insulating the outside of the pipes can be beneficial for preventing frozen pipes in the winter. It is usually only necessary to insulate the pipes at the highest risk for freezing, such as exposed pipes in the basement. 

A popular way to prepare home plumbing for winter is to apply foam pipe insulation to the outside of any pipes that are at risk of freezing. Foam pipe insulation is easy to use and can save homeowners a ton of money by preventing frozen pipes and improving efficiency. Insulated pipes help keep hot water warm as it travels through the pipes, so homeowners spend less money on their water heater bills. 

Other Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The pipes most susceptible to freezing over in the winter are located outdoors. Outdoor plumbing fixtures like garden hoses, fountains, and pools are exposed to outdoor conditions and are more likely to freeze over than indoor plumbing. Shutting off the water supply for outdoor plumbing fixtures like sprinklers and pools can help to prevent frozen pipes.

In addition to insulating the pipes with foam and other pipe coverings, homeowners can keep their plumbing safe by following these tips from professional plumbers. One should drain outdoor plumbing fixtures such as pools and sprinkler systems of water before freezing weather hits. If there is a water line in the garage, the door should be closed to prevent the temperature from dropping. 

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service is proud to serve its community with outstanding plumbing services at affordable prices. Homeowners can count on Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service to help in a winter plumbing emergency. Call them today to schedule an appointment for plumbing maintenance, installation, or repair!

Distribution Links +

Common Water Heater Problems and How To Avoid Them This Winter

Tips To Avoid Water Heater Disasters

Water heaters are an essential appliance to have in any household during the cold season. No one likes the feeling of taking a cold bath in the winter, and that's why it is crucial to ensure that these units function properly before the cold season begins. This article highlights some of the most common signs of a faulty water heater that should prompt homeowners to contact a water heater installation expert immediately. 

The Hot Water Heater Has Low Pressure

Low hot water pressure is usually one of the most common signs of a faulty water heater. There are different reasons why a water heater may not have enough pressure, including: 

It is not easy to tell the exact reason for low hot water pressure by observing with the naked eye. It takes a professional plumber's intervention to perform a complete diagnosis of the plumbing system to establish the exact reason for the low hot water pressure. 

Strange Sounds Coming From the Hot Water Heater ear

Most home appliances make strange sounds when they are nearing the end of their lives, and the same case applies to water heaters. A typical heater should not be noisy, except for the hissing sound of running water. Any other unusual sound should not be ignored, given that it could be a sign of an underlying problem.

Upon detecting such sounds, especially when they occur repeatedly, homeowners should contact a professional plumbing service as soon as possible. This is the surest way to have the problem checked and fixed before the cold season begins. 

The Water Temperature Is Inconsistent 

The temperature of a water heater should be constant and in accordance with the homeowner's preferred settings. Some believe that the availability of excessively hot water is a sign that the water heater is functioning properly. However, this is not usually true; water heaters should attain a specific temperature constantly.

A sudden and frequent change in hot water temperature is a major red flag that needs a professional plumber's immediate attention. Water heaters that release boiling water can be dangerous to homeowners due to the risks of burns. On the other hand, it is disappointing to take a cold shower in the winter because the water heater cannot maintain a steady temperature. 

shower

These are just some of the most common signs of a faulty water heater that homeowners should bear in mind. While it is possible to fix some of the problems mentioned above without a professional plumber's intervention, there is always the possibility of accidents, undesired results, and damages. This explains why it is always advisable to get in touch with a licensed plumbing company specializing in water heater installation and repair. 

About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service 

Founded in 1920, Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service provides cost-effective solutions and accurate diagnosis for its customers in Evansville, IN. The company also specializes in water heater installation in at least nine cities within the state. Call now for water heater services!

Distribution Links +

How Homeowners Can Prevent Frozen Pipes at Home This Winter

Tips for Protecting Your Plumbing this Winter Season

When the weather starts to dip below freezing, many homeowners’ thoughts turn to their HVAC to keep warm inside their homes. However, while you may be comfortable, that comfort can easily be destroyed by the dangers associated with frozen pipes.

Low temperatures can be devastating to your plumbing, and for you both financially and emotionally. Knowing a few simple tips can save the heartache of having an emergency situation happen in the dead of the winter.

How Heat Tape Can Prevent Frozen Pipes

heat tapeOne way to help prevent frozen pipes is by using heat tape in the home. However, this is actually not a type of tape and is, instead, an electric cord. This cord is placed on the inside of the home’s pipes and keeps them warm from the inside so that they don’t freeze.

They come in two varieties - self-regulating and non-regulating. Some plumbers may even offer a heat tape kit. Due to the risk of fire, heat tape should always be installed by a trained plumber. In addition, it is important to take the pipe material into account.

Heat tape does get warm enough that it may be able to melt through plastic pipes. It also can be an expensive way to keep the home from having frozen pipes, as the typical electric cost can add up quickly. This cost is usually around $40 a month for a medium-sized home.

Heat tape should also be used in combination with insulation for further insurance against frozen pipes.

Pipe Insulation To Stop Frozen Pipes

Insulating water pipes can really help prevent frozen pipes, as well as potentially lower a home’s electricity bill by reducing heat loss. The pipes that need insulating will vary depending on where they are located in the home and how much direct exposure they will have.

Insulation will be needed most on pipes that are located in unheated areas of the home. Specifically, those in crawl spaces, exterior walls, and garages that are not heated. Both the hot water and cold water pipes should be insulated, as both can freeze equally.

pipe insulation

There are a few strategies and insulation types that are beneficial in this situation. Pipe wraps are probably the most simple. These are all radiated with an R, for how resistant they are to airflow. Generally, a pipe wrap with an R-4 rating is sufficient. Foam pipe sleeves are also helpful, and even easier to install. These steps are thoroughly important in order to prevent repiping services from frozen pipes. 

A Slow Drip Can Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

drop of waterAlthough many homeowners are already aware of this helpful tip to prevent frozen pipes, not everyone is. When the temperatures start to drop below freezing, it is advised to run a slow drip of water through the water cycle constantly from the faucets.

This helps reduce the pressure in the pipes, and the continual stream of water stops the pipes from freezing. In the event that the pipes freeze anyway, running that stream of water can also prevent a rupture. This is especially important in homes that have pipes exposed to the outdoors more, as they will also get colder.

Make sure that the water running is cold and not hot. Too big of a temperature difference can actually increase the risk of pipe rupture, as well as add money to the home’s electric bill.

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

Serving the Evansville, Indiana area since 1920, Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service continues to promise honest, quality workmanship. They are the winner of multiple awards for their quality workmanship, and their trusted, professional staff undergoes weekly training to maintain their stellar level of service.

Distribution Links +