Protecting Your Plumbing System During Frigid Weather

The Rochester area is in the grips of a deep chill. With temperatures dropping into the single digits and wind chills reaching well below zero, this cold snap could take a serious toll on your home’s plumbing system. Just a few days of extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes and plumbing fixtures. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you protect your plumbing system during frigid weather.

Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest concerns when the temperature plummets. When the water inside plumbing pipes freezes, it expands and can cause pipes to burst. Avoid this disaster by insulating pipes in cold areas like basements, garages and crawl spaces. Leave water dripping on cold nights, and leave the cabinets under your sinks open.

If you already have a frozen pipe, here’s what to do.

Put Your Garden Hose Away

If you haven’t already done so, disconnect your garden hose and make sure the faucet is turned off properly. If possible, close the shut-off valve that leads to your outdoor faucets. Install insulation to protect your outdoor plumbing from the cold.

Locate Your Main Shut-Off Valve

Do you know where your main shut-off valve is located? If not, now is a good time to find it. Knowing where it is ensures that you will be able to respond quickly in the event of a plumbing emergency like a burst pipe. You may also want to find out where the shut-off valves are located for individual rooms and appliances.

Know Where to Turn for Help

Frigid weather is hard on residential plumbing systems, and sometimes disasters strike despite your best efforts to prepare. If you have a plumbing emergency in Rochester, you need to know where to turn for fast, affordable help. At G.T. Campbell plumbing, we are equipped to handle any plumbing problem in the Rochester area, and we take pride in the work we perform. When you need plumbing repair in Rochester and the surrounding areas, please call G.T. Campbell.