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Shepherd’s Home Hardware Building Centre
3525 Mill Street, Box 37, Armstrong, BC
It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare—frozen pipes. Winter is challenging for a number of reasons, not the least of which being freezing temperatures that stress your home in various ways. A home’s plumbing is perhaps one of the most consequential systems susceptible to major issues should things go awry, which is why we wanted to give you some winter plumbing tips to help keep things in check season after season!
Burst or frozen pipes can cause extensive water damage, disrupt daily living, and result in hefty repair bills that few of us are prepared to manage. Fortunately, with the right products and preventative measures, you can avoid this costly problem from occurring.
Shepherd’s Hardware is here to keep things running as they should; let’s look at some of the essential products we carry and how they can help you survive this winter and the next!
By properly insulating your pipes, you’re immediately putting yourself ahead of this problem off the hop. Insulating materials help retain warmth and prevent heat loss when things get frigid, keeping your pipes safe during the coldest months of the year.
Foam sleeves, fibreglass wrap, flexible rubber insulation…these are all options you might consider when it comes to pipe insulation.
Foam sleeves are cost-effective and easy to install. Fibreglass wrap is excellent for high-temperature applications. And rubber insulation offers some added flexibility when trying to maneuver around tight spaces.
Pipes residing in unheated areas (like basements, crawl spaces, and garages) are going to be most susceptible to freezing. As such, you’ll want to start by insulating these pipes first. Outdoor pipes and ones that run through exterior walls are also more vulnerable because of their exposure to colder temperatures, and should get special consideration when deciding where and what to insulate.
To maximize efficiency, measure your pipes and choose the right size of insulation for a snug fit. Secure the insulation with duct tape or zip ties and ensure there are no gaps or exposed sections. You can find pipe insulation size charts online, or ask one of our team members to help you find the right fit.
Extreme environments call for more industrial-type measures. Heat cables and tapes provide additional protection for maintaining a consistent temperature when pipes are subject to extremely cold environments.
Heat cables and tapes generate warmth along the length of the pipe. This helps to prevent freezing even in subzero conditions (particularly useful for outdoor pipes and piping in uninsulated spaces).
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully so as to avoid electrical hazards during installation (we can also recommend local contractors to help you do this). The cables should be secured with heat-resistant tape and plugged into a grounded outlet. Regular inspection of the cables for wear and tear is also important to maintain safety.
In extreme climates where pipes are exposed to the outdoor elements, heat cables are the solution. They’re excellent for protecting exposed lines during long stretches of freezing weather.
Outdoor faucets and hose bibs are some of the most vulnerable components of our house’s plumbing system. Learning how to protect them might just be the winter plumbing tip that saves you thousands of dollars down the line.
Faucet covers come in various styles, including:
Deciding which to choose is best determined by discussing your unique home components with one of our expert team members!
Start by disconnecting and draining any attached hoses. Install faucet covers to shield the fixtures from winter’s cold. Ensure each faucet is free from any water accumulation that could freeze and expand as temperatures change.
Technology has come a long way in helping homeowners prevent disasters from striking. “Outsourcing” the monitoring of your plumbing to smart devices might be one of the best winter plumbing tips we can give you! Leaks, temperature drops, and other issues can all be tracked by the sophisticated technology available on the market today.
Smart water monitors can detect leaks in real-time! Many of them also provide data on water usage to help identify anomalies (which might indicate a hidden leak).
Wouldn’t it be nice to know if a particular pipe is at risk of freezing? Now it’s possible with temperature sensors and freeze alarms. Some even integrate with home automation systems, sending alerts directly to your phone so you can receive instant, real-time notification.
Adopting good maintenance habits on top of having the right products in place is a surefire way to keep your pipes safe through even the harshest winter. Here’s some takeaway winter plumbing tips to consider.
During a cold snap, let your faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes. This helps reduce the risk of freezing.
If you have pipes running through your garage, keep the doors closed to maintain a warmer environment.
Even when you’re away from home, it’s good to set your thermostat to a consistent temperature.
Preventing frozen or burst pipes requires the right combination of products and preventative maintenance. By investing in the right insulation, covers, and technology, you can significantly reduce the risk of winter plumbing issues.
Shepherd’s Hardware has all of the above recommended winter plumbing products and more! Stay ahead of the cold and stop into our store today so we can make sure you’re prepared. Protect your home this winter—don’t wait another day! We’ll be looking forward to seeing you soon.
Protect your home this winter with products like pipe insulation, heat cables, and faucet covers. Avoid costly repairs with these expert tips.
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