Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter

Steve Kirkland • August 31, 2022

Install Frost-free Sill Cocks

Outdoor faucets, or spigots, are susceptible to freezing especially in Burlington during the cold winter months. To prevent outside water pipes from freezing, shut off outdoor water valves during from inside.

A frost-free sill cock is a very popular option for people who live in colder climates, or who live in areas that get below-freezing temperatures for long periods of time. When you turn off the water from inside these types of sill cocks will make the water stop behind the valve which is further away from the exterior wall where it is warmer preventing water from flowing out of them and risking becoming frozen solid.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Prevention is crucial if you want to avoid any plumbing disasters this winter. Pipes can freeze when the temperature in your home drops too low. To avoid this happening, you should insulate your crawl spaces and install electric heat cables on pipes.

Why Do Pipes Burst

Water pipes can freeze when the temperature in your home stays below freezing for many hours. Pipes freeze because water expands when it freezes. The expansion of the ice in the pipe causes the pipe to tear. When the ice thaws and water begins to flow, it will flow through the crack on the pipe and cause flood damage to your home.

Take Measures to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are the bane of the winter season. Homeowners can prevent frozen pipes by insulating their crawl spaces, insulating your pipes, installing electric heat cables on pipes that may be in a susceptible location, and installing frost-free sill cocks. Preventing pipes from freezing in your home is one of the best ways to prevent them from bursting.

If you need help with any of these steps, contact us at (781) 272-2670.

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