Autumn comes and there’s a distinct chill in the air. That cold reminds you that it’s time to prepare your plumbing for winter. At Barner Murphy we cannot stress enough the importance of preventing frozen pipes during inclimate weather. When water in your pipe freezes, it creates pressure. In turn you can experience costly breaks both inside and outside the home. 

Preventing Frozen Pipes

It’s not hard to imagine the kind of trouble broken pipes mean to your home and property. The potential damage can be very costly, so your best bet is doing what you can to prevent  frozen pipes this winter before the weather gets to them.

Expert Tips from a Plumbing Company

The professionals at Barner Murphy can come to take a good look at all the vulnerable spots in your home and property. We can tune up that furnace, too! If the furnace goes out, that only makes matters worse. BTW, keep your thermos above 55F at all times. 

Vulnerable Spots Indoors

Faulty or non-existent insulation. You can get wraps and sleeves for your pipes. Check spaces like your attic, basement, exterior walls, and outdoor faucets. Oh, and don’t forget an unheated garage.

Windows & Walls: You can lose a lot of heat through wall cracks and windows. Some of those spaces may come in contact with your plumbing. So start sealing right away. It will save you on air conditioning next season, too!

Faucets: If you have severe freeze warnings let your faucet drip a bit. The flow through your pipes, while minimal, does help keep them from freezing. You won’t see a terrible uptick in your water bill.

Cabinets: If your cabinetry has any pipes nearby, opening that door can help keep it warm. 

Take time for a walk through. Insulate pipes where you see them. Ask for proper products if you’re not sure at your retailer (or give us a call!).

Vulnerable Outdoor Spaces

There are spots where ice can easily mess with your plumbing. Outdoor water valves are an open invitation. Pull up your sprinkler systems, disconnect the hoses, and store them inside. Otherwise, you’ll probably have to replace them next spring. 

Barner Murphy can come and install faucets that are freeze-proof. No fuss; no muss!

Did it Work?

Okay. Even your best efforts at preventing frozen pipes this winter mail fail. There is so much plumbing you cannot see. So, what are the signs you missed something?

The primary sign is that your faucets start acting funny. They slow to a trickle, cold as ice, or may not flow at all. And there may be no consistency from one faucet to another. 

Another sign is visible frost on the popes. A little may not freeze your plumbing, but accumulation is another matter. You may even notice an odd smell nearby.

Clank, clang, bang! You hear rattling in your home (and not from your music!). These sounds can happen when pipes expand and contract. Time for a check-up!

Give Us A Call

When you think you have a frozen pipe issue, it’s time to call for help. Barner Murphy has master plumbers at the ready. When you want guaranteed results, contact us. Call  215-945-8650 or use our online contact form for more information.