Plumbers In Longview, TX: Cold Weather Is Coming – Don’t Let Your Pipes Freeze!

Freezing and below-freezing temperatures in Texas may not happen as often as they do in northern states, but they have the same effect – frozen, burst water pipes and expensive repairs.  Plumbers In Longview, TX know that the best time to start thinking about preventing frozen pipes is before the temperature drops.  So how low does the temperature have to go before your pipes freeze?   According to the University of Illinois’ Building Research Council, when the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, uninsulated pipes will freeze.

When water freezes, it expands but even with the expansion, pipe breaks don’t typically occur at the site of the ice blockage.  When there is a blockage in a pipe, the continued freezing and expansion inside the pipe causes water pressure to increase “downstream,” between the ice blockage and a closed faucet at the end.  If the temperature has dropped and you turn on a faucet in your home and no water comes out, don’t take chances on pipes bursting.  You should immediately call one of the plumbers in your area of Longview, TX.  

How can you keep water from freezing in your pipes?  Ideally, by having your water pipes only in heated areas of your home and not in attics, crawlspaces or uninsulated outside walls.  But, unless you’re building your home from scratch, you may be stuck with pipes that aren’t in the best locations.  Buying foam insulation sleeves from a hardware store may help to reduce heat loss in exposed pipes that you can access.  Letting faucets drip when the temperature drops won’t stop ice from forming but it will keep pressure from building up inside your pipes.  So even though your pipes may freeze, they won’t burst.  You should also open cabinets that conceal bathroom and kitchen plumbing so that the warm air inside your home can warm the pipes as well.  If you’re going on a trip during the winter months, keep the heater in your home running.  If you don’t want to waste the energy, consider draining your water system if you expect to be gone for an extended period of time or the pipes in your home are unusually susceptible to freezing.

For help with your cold and warm weather plumbing problems, call one of the best plumbers in Longview, TX, Bird Dog Plumbing at 903-225-2272.  If you’d like a fall plumbing system check-up or you have questions about cold weather and your plumbing, Bird Dog Plumbing can help.  Visit www.birddogplumbingllc.com to learn more about our services.  And remember, we don’t charge extra for Saturday work.
 

Plumbers Longview TX
Bird Dog Plumbing LLC
2206 Balsam St
Longview, Texas 75605
903-225-2272

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