Plumbing Tips For Cold Weather In Ocala, FL
4 Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes
It’s common to think of frozen pipes as an issue for colder climates, but for plumbing Ocala, FL, homes and businesses, frozen pipes can occur due to a lack of insulation and preparedness. The Ocala plumbers with Sunshine Plumbing and Gas provides these four tips to prevent frozen — and troublesome — pipes and plumbing issues during colder weather.
1. Keep The Heat On
Turning the heat down or off in a home or business during a cold snap is the leading cause of frozen pipes. If you’re leaving for an extended amount of time, make sure the thermostat is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, this temperature is sufficient to keep pipes from freezing.
2. Add Extra Insulation
Extra insulation is often needed around pipes and plumbing during cold weather, especially for pipes in attics and exterior walls. Fiberglass sleeves or foam rubber can be fitted around a pipe and decrease the chance of freezing during cold weather. More insulation can be added to walls and ceilings if the pipes are inaccessible.
3. Let Faucets Drip
This sounds like a misnomer since any plumber knows a dripping faucet wastes money and water. But a dripping faucet also alleviates the pressure that builds inside pipes when the pipes freeze. The pipe can withstand freezing temperatures but not the high pressure caused by a build-up of ice.
4. Repair Cracks & Holes
Now is the time to fill and repair any crack or hole in the interior and exterior walls around the pipes. There doesn’t have to be a gaping hole for cold air to enter and freeze the pipes; a small hole lets in plenty of cold air. Drywall repair kits can be bought at any home improvement store.
Pay Attention To These Areas In Cold Weather
During cold snaps, you’ll hear about the importance of protecting pipes and plumbing, but do you know the other areas to protect? The plumbers in Ocala, FL, with Sunshine Plumbing and Gas usually find most issues with pools, interior pipes, and outdoor water lines.
Outdoor Water Lines
Outdoor water lines are exposed plumbing fixtures, such as faucets, hose bibs, and sprinkler systems. Foam insulation, insulation tape, or even towels wrapped around lines and fixtures can prevent freezing. Disconnect any hoses from outdoor spigots. Also, make sure both hot and cold water supply lines are insulated. If the water isn’t running, the hot water line can freeze as quickly as the cold water line and damage the water heater.
Indoor Pipes & Plumbing
Pipes and plumbing found in the interior parts of a home or business are just as susceptible to the effects of cold weather as outdoor plumbing. Keep the thermostat at a steady temperature and open cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around your Ocala plumbing. If the pipes do freeze, keep the faucet open. When the frozen area melts, water begins to flow, which also assists in thawing out the pipe.
Pools & Above Ground Pipes
Many homes throughout Ocala have pools, which aren’t immune to issues when the temperature falls below freezing. Shut off the incoming valve to the backflow preventer and make sure all above ground pipes are well-insulated. But don’t turn off the pool pump — instead, run the pump continuously as circulating water takes longer to freeze.
Professional Plumbers In Ocala, FL
The cold usually doesn’t last long in Ocala, FL, but even a day or two of freezing weather can wreak havoc on exposed plumbing. If your home or business is affected, call the professionals with Sunshine Plumbing and Gas. We provide 24-hour service and work quickly to make all necessary repairs. To schedule a plumbing repair or for a plumbing emergency, call Sunshine Plumbing and Gas!
