How to put your plumbing in winter shape and avoid the expense of frozen pipe repairs
There is nothing like a cold Kentucky morning to have you reaching for a faucet with no water to be had. Or perhaps you are concerned over the toll a burst pipe might take on your property and finances. One has to ask if some forethought will spare you a headache down the road.
We of Star Plumbing & Mechanical are here to see that homeowners and commercial concerns in Western Kentucky are prepared for the cold before the first hard freeze makes its appearance. As a veteran-owned, licensed and insured outfit from Owensboro, we are the go to for plumbing in Hopkinsville, Madisonville, Henderson, Livermore, Philpot, Whiteville as well as the surrounding areas of southern Indiana and Illinois. Give us a ring at (270) 729-1961 and we can discuss what needs to be done for the winter.
The high price of a frozen pipe
Inside a pipe, freezing water expands, exerting an incredible amount of pressure on the walls until they give way. Once the ice melts there is a flood in your home or business to contend with.
It is seldom the cost of the pipe alone. The minute water is let loose the damage mounts quickly. One such burst can mean:
- Having to remove and put in new drywall and insulation
- Subflooring and flooring that has warped or rotted
- A cabinet or piece of furniture put out of commission
- Mold which is a health and repair issue
- Unseen water running up the bill
- For a business, time and income lost while repairs are made
Yet for the most part this is something you can put off by spending a few hours in the fall to winterize; it is a small price compared to an emergency call in January.
In practice, winterizing is about shielding your plumbing from the cold. Nothing complicated, provided one is mindful of the details. Some of the more effective measures include insulating any exposed pipes in the garage, attic, basement or crawl space, and making sure outdoor hoses are disconnected and spigots shut off. Seal up any cracks for the cold air, and maintain a constant heat in the house when you are not there. You should know where the main shutoff is, and in times of extreme cold a little drip from the faucet will ease the pressure. If the place is unoccupied for the season, draining the system altogether is wise.
Do the numbers
Consider that the pipes in unheated quarters are the ones prone to freezing, and they are also the least costly to insulate. Put that against the materials, labor and mess of a repair. Then there is the matter of a pipe bursting while you are at work or in bed and going on for hours undetected. You are left with water damage in addition to the fix, and possibly a deductible on an insurance claim. Prevention puts an end to all of that.
Too often people put their plumbing out of mind until it is a problem and the costs have run up. It is better to deal with it in the fall.
Unpredictable winters in Western Kentucky
We do not have the kind of protracted, severe cold of the north, but that is to the detriment of some. With freezes being more of an occasional thing, preparation is lacking. An uninsulated pipe will succumb to a sudden cold snap here as anywhere. This is a particular hazard in an older home where you may have pipes in an addition or along an outside wall without adequate insulation. A professional can spot those weak points for you.
Why not let us handle it?
Winterizing is another item on the home maintenance list, we understand. Our team will come and inspect, tell you what is at risk of freezing and do the work for you. We provide free estimates so there is no obligation.
Our office is open 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. Rather than wait for the weather to turn, contact Star Plumbing & Mechanical at (270) 729-1961. We will help you put your mind at ease and keep your wallet intact this winter.