Tag: winter

Easy Ways To Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Winterize the Pipes With These Pro Tips!

With winter just around the corner, preparing the home for the frigid weather ahead is time. That doesn’t just mean ensuring the heating system is in good working order – it also means protecting the plumbing system against freezes. Philadelphia is no stranger to below-freezing temperatures, so many homeowners have frozen pipes when cold fronts and blizzards blow in.

Fortunately, preventing frozen pipes is easier than it may seem. This article will outline a few of the most effective methods for winterizing pipes so homeowners can know their plumbing system is safe from the cold!

Why Are Frozen Pipes So Bad?

burst pipe Frozen pipes are bad for several reasons. For one thing, a frozen pipe won’t be able to provide running water. Depending on which pipes have frozen, the home may be without running water until the pipes thaw – which could take days. That means no showers, faucets, and working toilets; a chilling prospect indeed.

As if that weren’t bad enough, freezing can make a pipe burst or leak. The expansion of the ice inside the pipe, combined with the increased pressure that results from that expansion, can cause the pipe to rupture. When frozen pipes burst, the ensuing deluge of water can cause extensive damage to the home in a very short amount of time.

Pipe Insulation: The First Line of Defense

pipe insulationWhether it results in a burst pipe or a house without water, pipe freeze must be avoided. Installing pipe insulation is the most effective (and permanent) way to prevent frozen pipes. Insulation for pipes is made from various materials, including foam, rubber, fiberglass, mineral wool, and foil. It is generally inexpensive and easy to install.

Installing pipe insulation is particularly important in areas outside the home’s insulated envelope, such as an attic, crawlspace, garage, or unfinished basement, since the pipes in these areas are more exposed to the elements. Insulation will help the water in the pipes retain its heat. This will help prevent freezing but can also help reduce water heater usage by minimizing heat loss between the water heater and the various hot water fixtures throughout the house.

More Ways To Prevent Frozen Pipes

On top of insulating the pipes themselves, homeowners can add insulation to those areas mentioned above (attics, crawlspaces, etc.). This will add an extra layer of protection against the cold and may even help lower heating costs. For a less comprehensive solution, homeowners can wrap heating cables or heat tape around pipes in these areas. These are essentially electric heaters for pipes, and while effective at keeping pipes warm, they consume electricity and need to be replaced periodically.

Homeowners should also keep their thermostats set to 55 degrees (F) or higher during the winter months, even if they’re away on vacation – the warmer the home, the more radiant heat will reach the pipes and keep them warm. It’s also a good idea to leave faucets turned on to a drip during sub-freezing temperatures. The continuous flow of water will help prevent pipes from freezing, and having the faucet slightly open will help relieve pressure in case the pipes do freeze, potentially preventing a rupture.

Homeowners should also be sure to winterize their outdoor plumbing, which essentially involves turning off and draining all outdoor pipes and irrigation systems for the winter. If this isn’t an option, homeowners should put faucet protectors over their hose bibs, at the very least. And of course, for winterizing outdoor pipes or installing pipe insulation, it’s always best to consult a professional plumber to ensure the job gets done right!

About City Plumbing

For over 20 years, City Plumbing has been Philadelphia’s go-to resource for all things plumbing and HVAC. They are the proud recipients of several awards, including the Angie’s List Super Service Award and the BBB’s Torch Award for Ethics – they were even named the Best Plumbers in Philadelphia by Expertise.com. They always provide competitive up-front pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so don’t hesitate to call City Plumbing for burst pipe repair and plumbing winterization in Philadelphia, PA!

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Hot Water Is Most Needed In the Cold Winter Months

Water Heater Repair Can Give You Warm Baths and Hot Tea This Winter

It's bad enough when the shower seems to take ages to warm up in the morning, but what if it never heats up at all? In the middle of a brutal winter, hot water is not just a pleasant amenity but also a basic necessity. The bitter cold outside creates a higher demand for hot water in general, but it also puts a bigger strain on the water heater as it works overtime to keep up with the volume and burns more energy to heat the icy water. Since these are the exact circumstances in which water heaters often break down, here are a few signs that a water heater may need some repairs to make it through the winter.

Hot Water Pressure Is Lower Than Normal

Low water pressure throughout the house could be caused by a leak or mineral deposits in the supply pipes constricting the flow. But these issues will affect both the hot and cold water in the home. If only the hot water is running weaker than usual, the source of the problem is almost certainly the water heater. 

This issue most often occurs when mineral scale from hard water clogs the outlet pipes, but it could also be due to a faulty valve or a leak in the unit's water tank. It's best to have the unit inspected by a professional and flushed out, if necessary.

Water Heater Is Making Strange Sounds

ear

If a control valve is stuck or broken, or if crusty mineral deposits are obstructing the water heater's inlet or outlet pipes, there may be a high-pitched whine or whistling noise coming from the unit. This can also be the temperature & pressure relief valve discharging built-up pressure in the water tank. While this means the T&P valve is working properly, a professional must investigate the cause of the overpressurization.

Popping sounds, sometimes called "kettling," could signal that sediment buildup in the tank's bottom is trapping water and causing it to overheat. This can crack the tank's glass inner coating and result in a leak. Booming or banging sounds coming from a gas water heater usually indicate delayed gas ignition, or "ignition roll-out." This is a dangerous issue that requires urgent professional attention.

Water Temperature Keeps Fluctuating

If hot water comes and goes, doesn't last long, or the temperature is inconsistent, there are several possible causes. The unit may be undersized or outdated for the home's current level of water usage. Automatic safety mechanisms may turn off the burners or heating elements if the tank is overheating or the pilot light is malfunctioning. A dirty flame sensor or a faulty thermocouple or temperature limit switch may have the same result. A clogged burner orifice or defective electric heating element may also prevent the water from reaching the correct temperature.

shower

Water heaters should undergo professional maintenance at least once a year, before winter. If the unit didn't receive a general cleaning and tune-up in the fall, the likelihood of malfunction during winter is much higher. 

About City Plumbing

For over two decades, City Plumbing has been proudly fulfilling Philadelphia's plumbing & HVAC needs. They gladly provide no-surprise flat-rate pricing, 24/7 service, and a total satisfaction guarantee. Contact them to schedule a water heater installation today!

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