After a long summer and keeping our shorts and shades on into October, we’ve been on a roller coaster ride of temperatures, and now it looks like we’re heading for cooler times. Winter in Kansas City is always cold, but the last few years have come with crazy events of ice, snow, and polar vortexes.
Since there’s no way to speed up time through winter, the best we can do is make the most of our winter by taking care of our families, ourselves and our homes. And one way to do that is by making sure our plumbing systems are protected from winters cold. If we don’t, we may wind up causing major damage to our property and putting our families in difficult situations.
So, what can we do to avoid the plumbing woes of winter? Here are a few tips
- Keep it under wraps. During the coldest temperatures, your uninsulated pipes are at their highest risk—especially the draftier areas like your garage or attic and outside areas, as well. When it gets below freezing, any water left in these pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to crack or burst. And that means trouble. Instead of just hoping for the best, take preventative measures by wrapping your pipes and outdoor plumbing fixtures in insulating material such as towels, foam or insulation sleeves from your local hardware store.
- Call it in. If you do see a leak in any of your pipes or fixtures, make sure you act immediately. A leak is no cosmetic issue, especially during the winter. If there is a leak, there is a good possibility your pipes are already damaged and may be ticking time bombs for bigger issues (we don’t even want to think about). Don’t wait for a “convenient time”; call in a plumber (us, of course) ASAP to avoid further damage
- Let it run. If you plan to be away from your home for any extended period of time, leave your faucets on at a very slow drip. It keeps a stream of water moving through the pipes and prevents them from turning into metal popsicles.
- Know the drill. If, despite your best efforts, you still experience a burst pipe this winter, you’ll want to know what to do immediately so that damage can be minimized. The most important first action step is to turn off the main water line to avoid a total flood. After that, call a plumber (us!) immediately, or if you’re not sure where the main shut off is located, call us the minute you know there is a problem. If you know the plumbing layout of your property you can try to identify the source of the leak and fix it yourself, but be sure to insulate the pipe when you replace it to avoid future issues.
At Morgan Miller Plumbing, we know that harsh winters give us enough to worry about without even thinking about our plumbing. That’s why even if you miss these tips and any warning sign along the way, you still don’t need to worry. With our 24-hour emergency plumbing service, you can call us anytime day or night and know that we’ll be available to rescue you in times of plumbing trouble. It’s what we’re here for! We love our customers and we’re proud to be the KC metro’s premier provider of residential and commercial plumbing services.
This season, take our advice and keep an eye on your pipes. Don’t let a little thing like an arctic blast cause a flood in your home. But know that even if it does, we’re only a phone call away.